Flaky Apple Pie Bars 

         This dessert has a buttery and flaky shortbread crust topped with some tart apples and a crunchy, nutty topping. This is sure to be a favorite for all. Make a double batch for parties, meetings and potlucks, these will go fast. This dessert is like eating an apple pie. That is because it basically is the same thing. The difference is, with this great choice, there is no need to roll out any dough.

A shortbread dough is pressed into the bottom of a baking dish, layered with cinnamon and sugar apples and then topped with the classic crumble crust. However, let me make note of the fact that you do not have to make it a crumble top. You could turn the top into a lattice design or some other decorative pattern.

            This dessert is really so easy to make you will want to make it all the time. This recipe will easily serve a couple of dozen people. If you have a small family you can store this very easily so you do not waste any. The bars can be placed in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap and they will be good for 2 to 4 days.

You can also freeze these bars by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag immediately after they are cooled. They will last in the freezer for 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Would this recipe work for other fruits?

It most surely would. Peaches, cherries, blueberries or even a combination would taste awesome. I am going to do some Strawberry Rhubarb this week.

            Can I use pie crust?

Pie crust will give the dessert a different taste and a different look. You can use pie crust if you would like.

What do you need to make Flaky Apple Pie Bars 

            Crust:

                        2 ½ cups flour

                        2 egg yolks

                        1 cup butter or shortening

                        2 tbsp granulated sugar

                        ½ cup milk

            Filling:

                        8 small Granny Smith Apples, peeled and cored, sliced thin

                        ¼ cup brown sugar

                        ½ cup white sugar

                        1 tsp cinnamon

            Crumb topping:

                        Save some of the dough that you are using to make the bottom crust.

                        Add 1 tbsp brown sugar        

                        Crushed pecans

                        1 tbsp white sugar

                        2 tbsp flour

How to make Flaky Apple Pie Bars

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 375*

In a mixing bowl combine the flour and 3 tbsp sugar

SECOND STEP:

Using a pastry cutter combine the butter or shortening with the flour until it forms a crumby type of dough

Add egg yolks and milk in a bowl and beat to combine

a)

b)

THIRD STEP:

Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and combine until a dough is formed

Reserve ¼ of the dough (for the topping)

FOURTH STEP:

Press the remaining dough into the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking pan, that has been greased

Place the apples on the top of the dough

FIFTH STEP:

Cover the apples with the mix of sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon

The remaining dough can be mixed with the ingredients listed and then crumbled on the top of the apples

a)

b)

c)

SIXTH STEP:

Bake for 40 minutes and set aside to cool before cutting into 24 squares

Enjoy!