Apple Streusel Bars

Good afternoon! Happy Spring! I cannot believe it tis the first day of Spring when yesterday we had a freak snowfall for about 10 minutes. Today it is bright and sunny although it is a little cold. 

Did you have a good weekend? Mine was busy. We are remodeling two bathrooms and we spent the day picking fixtures, lights, sinks, tile, etc. We are also having 4 rooms painted so we spent what seemed like days picking out colors. 

I also made a few treats because my mom is coming for Spring Break! I cannot wait. One of the things I made are these easy and delicious Apple Streusel Bars. If you like apple pie that you will love these bars, they have a shortbread type crust and are spicy, sweet and nutty. 

Apple Streusel Bars

Recipe from:Baked by an Introvert

For the Crust

21/2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces

Filling

5 cups of apples peeled and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup of light brown sugar

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/ 8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat the over to 375. Line a  9 x 13″ baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving some excess on the sides for easy removal from the pan. Spray the foil with cooking spray or lightly butter.

Crust: 

 In a medium bowl combine the flour, sugar and salt, stir to combine. Then using two knives, a pasty blender or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture looks like damp sand. Set aside 11/4 cups of this mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. 

Filling:

Add apples and lemon juice to a large bowl stir to coat the apples, then add the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg, stir again to combine. Pour the filling into the warm crust and spread in an even layer. 

Topping:

Add the brown sugar, oats and nuts to the reserved 11/4 cups flour mixture. Stir to combine then sprinkle the mixture over the filling. Bake for 30 minutes. 

Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Remove from pan using the foil overhang and cut into squares. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. 

Sources: White Elephant Porcelain Teapot

Have a beautiful first day of Spring!

Source: Elephant Teapot//Cups with Stars are vintage Similar Cups//Demitasse Spoons are vintage Similar Spoons//Tray//Napkins

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