Easy Apple Pie Bars With Shortbread Crust

Preheat oven to 300° F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhanging on the sides to lift the bars out once they are cooled. Set aside.

For the Shortbread Crust

Stir the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir until everything is evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

For the Apple Pie Filling

While the crust is baking, combine the sliced apples, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl. Toss until the apples are well coated. Set aside.

For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping

Whisk the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and flour together. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside

To Assemble the Apple Pie Bars

Remove the crust from the oven and increase the temperature to 350°F. Evenly layer the apple slices on top of the crust. Sprinkle with the cinnamon crumble topping and bake for 30 -35 minutes until the crumble topping is browned.

Remove the bars from the oven and cool for 20 minutes at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting and serving. You can cut these into 12 or 16 pieces. Enjoy!