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Apple Pie Bars

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These simple and satisfying Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a warm spiced apple filling, and a delightful crumble topping.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups salted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 7 apples mixed varieties, peeled and diced
  • 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ lemon juiced approximately 2 tablespoons
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Butter or line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
  3. Combine the room temperature butter and 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 ½ cups powdered sugar in a stand mixer bowl or large bowl.
  4. Mix at medium speed until light and creamy.
  5. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
  6. Slowly add 4 cups all-purpose flour to the butter mixture on low speed.
  7. Mix until a smooth, soft dough forms.
  8. Press 1/3 of the dough into the prepared baking pan.
  9. Ensure the dough has equal thickness using a tart tamper or measuring cup to smooth it out.
  10. Place the remaining 2/3 of the dough in the refrigerator.
  11. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
  12. Bake until the edges are a light golden brown.
  13. Peel, core, and dice 7 apples to about 1/8th inch thick.
  14. Scatter the diced apples in a saucepan.
  15. Mix the apples with ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and ½ lemon juiced.
  16. Add 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour to the apple mixture.
  17. Cook the apple mixture in the pan over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  18. Cook until the apples release their juices and are cooked through.
  19. Combine 1 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl with a whisk to create a slurry.
  20. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the hot apple mixture.
  21. Continue cooking for an additional minute.
  22. Pour the apple filling over the par-baked crust.
  23. Crumble the remaining chilled dough (two-thirds of the dough) over the apple filling.
  24. Return the baking dish to the pre-heated oven.
  25. Bake until the filling is bubbly and the topping is firm and lightly golden, about 25-30 minutes.
  26. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the crust dough.
Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture.
Press the crust dough evenly into the pan to prevent soggy spots.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.

Find it online: https://theflakytruth.com/apple-pie-bars/