OK, so I made some fabulous apple pie bars the other day and I the recipe was requested by a few people, so here goes. Enjoy!!
For the crust:
1 stick butter
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup sugar
1.5 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 375. Beat butter, applesauce and sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes). At low speed, beat in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Press dough into the bottom of a 9x9 pan creating an even layer. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes or until the dough is golden. Let cool.
For the Filling:
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 granny smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 very ripe pear - peeled and sliced thin
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup water (if necessary)
In an large skillet, melt butter and brown sugar. Add apples and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally until softened - about 10 minutes. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
Continue cooking until apples are caramelized and liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes longer. Scrape up any bits stuck to the pan and if necessary, add water to prevent scorching. Let cool.
For the Topping
1.5 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick butter, chilled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Use the mixer to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Press the mixture into clumps.
Assembly
Spread the filling over the crust. Scatter crumbs on top and press lightly into and even layer. Bake in the center of the oven for 1 hour, until the topping is golden, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
*Note* - this did not exactly cut into bars well for me. More like scoops of apple crumble....delicious crumble ;)
Adapted from mybakingaddiction.com
