Apple Bars
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups cold butter, divided
- 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water
- 8 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (about 8 medium)
- 2 cups sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of the flour and salt.
3. Cut 1 1/4 cups of the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just holds together. Add more water if needed.
5. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. In another large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1 cup sugar and the ground cinnamon. Set aside.
7. Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface to fit a 9x13 inch baking pan. Transfer to the pan and trim edges.
8. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough.
9. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar.
10. Cut the remaining 1/4 cup cold butter into small pieces and mix into the flour-sugar mixture until crumbly.
11. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the apples.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
13. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 90 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and firm texture.
Chill the dough well before rolling to prevent shrinking during baking.