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Quick & Easy Homemade Apple Dessert Bars

A delicious and simple dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust layered with tender, spiced apples.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust and Topping
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
  • 4 cups apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Pastry blender
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Mix in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until the dough forms shaggy clumps.
  5. Press two-thirds of the dough into the baking dish and chill.
  6. Cook sliced apples and lemon juice in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, cooking until thickened.
  8. Cool the filling for 10 minutes before spreading over the chilled crust.
  9. Crumble the remaining dough over the apple layer.
  10. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.