Apple Pie Bars

I came across this recipe on Pinterest and knew I had to make it. I changed it slightly by adding a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top. This recipe is gluten free BUT everyone in the house loved these bars. These are simply to make and very similar to my apple pie recipe so it was no surprise everyone enjoyed these apple pie bars!

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS FOR THE COOKIE BASE-

1 1/2 cups gluten free flour. I used Bob’s 1 for 1 that has xanthan gum in it.
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
8 Tablespoons dairy free butter. I used Earth’s Balance, cut into Tablespoons.
You will be reserving 1/3 cup of this mixture to use in the crumble.

FOR THE CRUMBLE-

2 Tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup gluten free old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup of reserved cookie base

APPLE CINNAMON FILLING-

3 cups chopped, peeled apples. I used a combination of honey crisp and Granny Smith. Chop into 1/4 inch or so pieces.
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

AT THE END OF COOKING-

Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce if desired.

DIRECTIONS

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees.
Line 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or Tim foil so the foil hangs over the edge so you can easily remove the bars from the pan at the end of cooking time.

TO MAKE THE BASE-

Using a stand mixer add the flour, sugar and salt into the mixing bowl and mix on low speed to combine. Add butter a couple pieces at a time and continue to mix until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. About 2-3 minutes. Measure 1/3 cup of the dough and set aside to use in the crumble.

Using your hands press the remaining dough into an even layer on the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes or u til edges begin to brown rotating pan half way through baking.

APPLE CINNAMON FILLING-

While the base bakes, combine chopped apples and cinnamon in a bowl mixing to coat the apples in the cinnamon.

CRUMBLE TOPPING-

While the base bakes add the reserved dough, brown sugar, pecans and Oates into the mixing bowl used for the base using the mixer or a pastry cutter, or your hands mix until combined and crumbly. Set aside.

ASSEMBLE-

Pour the cinnamon apples over the hot base and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the crumb topping pinching the crumble to create a tiny crumble. Do not press it into the filling. Bake 22 minutes then cover with foil and bake an additional 10 minutes. Turn oven off and leave covered in the pan in the oven for 5 more minutes. This will allow the apples to bake without over browning the crumble topping.

Let bars cool completely in the pan. Add salted caramel if desired . A light drizzle over all of the top. When cooled completely remove from the pan using the over lapping foil and cut into squares. Store in the fridge.

Enjoy!