Apple Crumble Bars

 
I was in charge of bringing food to our small group last week and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to try out this recipe!  I have been wanting to try a few new apple recipes and this one has been on my list for quite a while. I was hoping the bars would be like little bite size apple pies and that is definitely what it reminded me of. It has a crumbly crust and the filling  was typical of what you find when you bite into an apple pie. I think next time I make them I will add some cinnamon into the crumb mixture. The recipe contains cinnamon in the filling, but for me when apples are the main ingredient, you can always add more cinnamon!

Apple Crumble Bars

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For the Crust:

1 1/3 cups all purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature


For the Filling:

4 medium-size apples, peeled and coarsely chopped (I used Granny Smith)

5 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons corn starch

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup fruit jam (I used apple)


For the Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8 x 8 pan with foil, leaving overhang on both sides to easy removal. Grease or butter foil.

To make the base, combine flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender, fork, or hands, until it resembles breadcrumbs. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven. Spread the fruit jam evenly on the base while it is still hot.

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large non-stick skillet, combine the apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until apples are tender, but still firm. In a small cup, whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice. Add to the apple mixture and continue cooking, stirring constantly for 3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Place filling on top of crust.

To make the topping, combine the flour, sugar, and butter in a small bowl until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Using the foil, lift out of pan. Cut into squares and serve.


Source adapted from: Annie’s Eats