Apple Pie Bars

This is the highly-requested recipe for the Apple Pie Bars I made for my Thanksgiving party this year. Like my previous recipe, this dessert has all the flavor of a laborious apple pie, but takes a fraction of the time and effort. Enjoy!

Apple Pie Bars

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For the Apple Filling

• 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar
• 6 Granny Smith apples (about 3 pounds or 1.3 kg)—peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

For the Crumble Topping

• 1 1/2 cups (140 g) quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces or 170 g) unsalted butter, melted

For 20-24 bars

Make the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) . Line a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour crumbs into prepared pan and press firmly to create an even crust on the bottom of the pan.

Bake crust at 350°F until it begins to brown around the edges, about 10-15 minutes.

Make the Filling

In an large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter with the 1/4 cup of sugar. Add the apples and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cook until the apples are tender and the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes longer. If the apples start to stick you may add up to 1/2 cup of water to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Make the Topping

In a large bowl, mix the oats with the flour,  sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle with the melted butter and toss with a fork. Press the mixture into clumps with your hands.

Assemble and Bake

Raise oven heat to 375°F (190°C). Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Scatter the crumbs on top, pressing them lightly into an even layer. Bake in the center of the oven for 50 minutes to an hour, until the topping is golden (rotate the pan halfway through baking). Let cool completely before cutting into bars.