Homemade Apple Bars

Overview

Homemade apple bars serve as an ideal way to use excess apples from the home orchard or backyard apple tree. Use tart apples such as Granny Smith or Jonathan for the best results. This recipe yields approximately three dozen homemade apple bars topped with sugar glaze. Double the recipe or cut the bars into small pieces to serve a crowd, if necessary.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Sift together the all-purpose flour, 2 cups of the granulated sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a butter knife until it resembles coarse crumbs. Blend in the eggs until moist and crumbly.

Step 3

Spoon the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 12 x17 baking pan, reserving 1 1/2 cups for the top layer of crust. Pat down gently with your fingertips to create an even layer of bottom crust.

Step 4

Peel, core and thinly slice the apples; then arrange the slices in rows over the crust in the baking pan. Combine the remaining 1/3 cup of granulated sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle over the apple slices.

Step 5

Crumble the remaining crust mixture evenly over the top of the apple slices and place the pan in the oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown in color.

Step 6

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the dish to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before glazing.

Step 7

To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream and almond extract in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Step 8

Drizzle the glaze over the apple bars once cooled, cut into 1-inch squares and serve. Store leftovers at room temperature in a covered container for up to a week before discarding any unused portion.