Apple Pie Crumb Bars

Mom's apple tree produced mountains of apples this year, so the ones that have not yet found themselves tucked into pie, have become a myriad of other delectables. These bars are a riff on our classic fruit bar, and play up all those things we love about apple pie. We have quite a few recipes here that showcase the versatility of our recipe, the Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bar, Rhubarb and Mulberry Crumb Bar, Cranberry Orange, mixed fruit, Apricot, you get the idea. We love this recipe as it feels like dessert, but also feels like a decent snack for the kids. Win win!  

Apple Pie Crumb Bar
1 9x13 pan, about 16 bars

1-cup brown sugar
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon, divided
½ tsp. salt
1-cup cold butter cut in cubes
Zest of 1 lemon
2 eggs
3 cups diced, peeled apples
½ cup sugar
2 tsp. tapioca flour
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 375

Grease a 9 x 13” inch Pyrex baking dish.

In a medium bowl mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ½ tsp. cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest. Then, add in the cold butter and egg, cutting it in with a pastry cutter or fork.  You can also use your fingers to break up any large pieces of butter. Once the mixture resembles crumbs, press half into the pan.

In another bowl, add sugar, lemon juice, ½ tsp. cinnamon, tapioca powder and Vanilla extract and mix. Carefully stir in apples. 

Spread fruit with juices evenly on top of dough and sprinkle with remaining dough. You want some fruit peeking out.

Bake 40-45 minutes until fruit is bubbling and topping is golden brown. Cool before slicing.