Apple Pie Bars
For the apples:
6 tart apples (like granny smith), peeled, cored and sliced
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
In a large skillet, combine the apples with the sugar, lemon and honey. Cover the pan for about 5 minutes, or until the apples release their juices. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have turned golden brown and there is no liquid left in the pan. This will take about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
For the crust:
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
Preheat oven to 375. Line a 9×13 baking pan with foil, and spray the foil with pan spray. In the bowl of an electric mixer (fitted with a paddle attachment if it’s a standing one) cream the butter and sugar together. When smooth and creamy, add the egg. On low-speed add the dry ingredients. Spread the crust evenly in the pan with your hands. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
For the streusel topping:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, diced
1 cup toasted pecans (optional)
Using the same bowl on the electric mixer, put all the streusel ingredients in together and blend until crumble. Stir in the nuts if using.
When the crust is done, spread the cooked apples on to the hot crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping all over, pressing it down gently. Reduce the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the bars for another 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool for about an hour, then lift the whole thing out of the pan and cut with sharp knife into bars.
