Apple Pie Bars

The crust does double duty as the streusel topping and makes assembling the dish a snap. Prep time of 45 minutes includes the 30 minutes for cooling. Serving size is approximate depending on how large you cut the slices. If desired, serve with a dollop of whipped cream (Whipped Cream (Stabilized)) or ice cream. Adapted from Cuisine at Home.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 6  tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
• 3  tablespoons milk
• 3  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 1⁄2 cups granny smith apples, peeled, cored, diced
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 1  tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1  pinch salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Coat a 10 inch springform pan with removable bottom with nonstick spray.
3. Combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the base and streusel mixtures in a bowl.
4. Transfer 3/4 cup of the mixture to a second bowl; set aside for the streusel later.
5. Cut 6 tablespoons cold butter and milk into the remaining dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers.
6. Mix until clumps form.
7. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, using a measuring cup to "tamp" down the dough.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set and gold at the edges.
9. Stir melted butter into the reserved streusel mixture until sandy; set aside.
10. Toss all ingredients for the filling (apples, sugar, heavy cream, flour, vanilla, cinnamon and salt) together.
11. Arrange over the hot base, pushing apple pieces to the edges of the pan to completely cover the crust.
12. Sprinkle apples with the streusel topping, and bake until apples are soft and streusel is golden, 30-40 minutes.
13. Cool bars for at least 30 minutes before removing the side of the pan and cutting into wedges.
14. Store bars at room temperature or chill.