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). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, beat the egg with vanilla extract, then add to the flour mixture. Stir until dough begins to come together.
5. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
6. In another bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
7. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough base.
8. Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the apples. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.
10. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars and serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.