Maple Apple Pie Oat Bars

Preheat oven to 350˚F with a rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13 inch oven safe baking dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

In a medium-sized skillet, heat butter over medium high heat. Add apples, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt; stir together. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Cook about 5 minutes until apples have softened and mixture is golden brown. Take off heat and let cool a bit.

In a large bowl combine oats, cereal, eggs and ricotta cheese. Stir in cooled apple mixture.

Press batter into prepared pan and evenly distribute. Bake for about 20 minutes until cooked through and top is lightly browned.

Slice into squares with a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

Optional: Top with whipped cream, ice cream, peanut butter, almond butter, more maple syrup, brown sugar, etc.