Apple Pie Bars

These bars are a great choice to bring to a school bake sale or class party. They offer more nutrition than a typical cookie or brownie. The combination of flavors -- warm Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, and oats -- will make everyone’s mouth water. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.

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Breakfast

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray		4 large Granny Smith apples, about 1lb (500g) total weight, peeled, halved, cored, and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter		2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar		3/4 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups all-purpose flour		1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt		1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar		1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

directions

Total:

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1
To make the crust, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Lightly spray a 9-by-12-inch baking pan with cooking spray
2
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on high speed, beat together the butter (1 cup) and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3
Reduce the speed to low and beat in about ½ cup of the flour and the salt (1/4 teaspoon), then add the remaining flour (1/2 cup) gradually and beat until the dough comes together into a soft ball.
4
Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and, using your hands and a gentle touch, spread it out evenly over the bottom and lightly up the sides.
5
Bake until the top is golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Leave the oven on.
6
To make the filling, place the butter (3 tablespoons) and brown sugar (1/4 cup) in a large frying pan. Place over low heat and, using a wooden spoon, stir to melt the sugar into the butter to for a syrup.
7
Add the apples, toss to coat with the syrup, and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook stirring often, until the apples have softened and are beginning to caramelize in the syrup, 15-20 minutes. If the pan begins to burn, sprinkle in a little water. Scrape the pan bottom, and reduce the heat.
8
When the apples are very soft, stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
9
To make the topping, in a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour (1/2 cup), brown sugar (1/2 cup), cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon), baking soda, and salt (1/4 teaspoon). Scatter pieces of butter (1/2 cup) on top and pinch into the oats mixture with your fingertips. Continue to pinch until the mixture comes together into uniform coarse, sandy clumps.
10
Stir in the walnuts and refrigerate until ready to use.
11
Spread the apple filling over the baked crust in an even layer. Sprinkle the topping over and press lightly. Bake until the topping is golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into bars and serve.

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Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients

directions