Apple Pie Bars

Come fall I always crave apple bars. Apple bars have all the flavor of good old apple pie but without all the fuss. The crust comes together quickly in a food processor and the bars slice beautifully.

Now, nothing beats recipes that come from an old church cookbook. When my husband and I were married, a friend of the family gave us a beautiful knife along with a copy of her church's cookbook. This is one of my favorites from all those years ago.

Apple Pie Bars
((Printable Recipe))

Ingredients:
4 cups baking apples, peeled and sliced
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour, divided
1 cup sugar, divided
1 cup butter, cut into pieces
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.

2. In a food processor, add 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, egg yolks, and 1 cup butter (cut into pieces). Pulse this until the butter is about the size of small peas.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium sized bowl, toss together the apples, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, the remaining 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir this mixture until the apples are coated.

4. Place half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down into the bottom of the pan.  Top this crust with the sliced apple mixture. Sprinkle the remaining crust over the top and pat down lightly.

5. Bake for 40 minutes and cool completely.

6. When the bars are cool, mix the powdered sugar with enough lemon juice so the glaze is thick yet pourable. Drizzle over the cooled bars.

Linked to: Weekend Potluck