Apple Kuchen Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with vanilla extract and add to the flour mixture. Stir until just combined to form a dough.
5. Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
6. In another bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts (if using).
7. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
8. Crumble the remaining dough over the apples to create a crumbly topping.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
10. Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper.
11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 9 bars
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
Chill the dough before pressing into the pan to achieve a crispier crust.