Apple Pie Bars

It's that time again people, apple picking season!!!!!!!!! I don't think you understand just how excited I get knowing that I can make a trip up to Carter's Mountain and pick an awesome variety of apples. I know what you're thinking, she's only in it for the apple cider donuts, which is definitely a big part of why I go. But being able to watch my son run/trip up and down the rows of apple trees is the real reason I go. He was so excited to be able to walk on his own, and pick his own apples (with a little help from his uncle). I admit it was a little difficult explaining why the apples already on the ground weren't good, but he got the idea after a little while.We picked fuji and jonagold then we went to the general store to pick up some cider and apple butter.I already have plans to go again a little later in the season!

(trying out some different photo effects) 

So we came home with WAY TOO MANY apples than we actually needed, which meant I had to go searching for new apple inspired recipes. I didn't want to go with the traditional apple pie. 1. because I did a post about that last year, and 2. there is some controversy in our house about whether it should be a double crust pie or streusel topping..... So I went to the gawkerverse and ended up coming across and apple pie bar recipe. It seemed pretty easy, shortbread crust, cinnamon apple middle, and oatmeal streusel topping so I decided to try it. Sadly, after getting halfway into the process, I realized I didn't have all of the ingredients so I had to make a couple changes, but they seemed to work out well.

This recipe is perfect for the fall whether and is absolutely delicious with the addition of some vanilla ice cream. It's a little more spiced than a regular apple pie, but it really compliments the tartness from the granny smith apples. That's not to say that you can't use a different apple, but granny smith is something we can all agree on at our house so that's what I used. It's definitely in the running for Thanksgiving, so that should tell you how good it is. Hope you try it!!

Apple Pie Bars (adapted from My Baking Addiction)

Crust:
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1/3 sup sugar
1 1/2 cup AP flour
1/4 tsp salt

Filling:
3 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup water, if necessary

Topping:
2 packets of Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal
1 cup AP flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 sticks butter, cubed
1/3 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat the oven to 375. Spray a 9x13 pan and line with parchment paper so that you have handles to help you release the bars once cooled. Beat the butter and sugar together for the crust until light and fluffy. Then add the flour and mix until just combined. The dough will be pretty sticky, so as best you can, scoop the dough into the prepared pan and smooth it out across the bottom of the pan. Place in the over and bake until lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes. Take out and set aside.

2. For the filling, place the butter in a large skillet and let melt, then add the sugar and let melt as well. The add the apples and allow to cook for about 10 minutes. Add the spices and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. The apples should be tender (I did the fork test like you would with boiling potatoes). Once tender, remove from heat and allow to cool while you make the topping.

3. Combine the oats, flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter cubed into the flour mixture until the butter pieces are pea sized. You should be able to take some of the mixture in your hand and make a fist and the mixture should stay intact once you release your fist.

4. Pour the filling over the crust, making an even a layer as much as possible. Then, take the topping and crumble it over the filling. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Place on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before cutting.