Apple Pie Bars

Shortbread Crust & Crumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt with a fork. Add the melted butter and vanilla. Mix until the mixture is fully combined and has a crumbly texture.

Add about ⅔ of the shortbread mixture to the bottom of the prepared pan and press down until firmly packed. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup or drinking glass to help press it out evenly. Set aside the remaining mixture for the topping (you should have about 6½ ounces of crumbs remaining).

Bake the crust at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until it starts to turn golden. While the crust is baking, make the apple filling.

For the Apple Pie Filling: Peel and core the apples, then cut into thin ⅛” slices. I also cut the slices in half to create smaller pieces.

In a medium saucepan, add the apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Combine the ingredients and place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stirring frequently so the mixture doesn’t burn, simmer until the apples have softened and the syrup has thickened, about 10 minutes.

Add the hot apple filling on top of the baked crust and spread it out evenly to the edges of the pan. Crumble the reserved shortbread crumbs into small pieces and sprinkle evenly over the top of the apple layer.

Return the bars to the oven to bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown all over and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Allow the bars to cool, then slice and serve, or enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!