1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. Make the Apple Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spice mixture.
4. Layer the Apple Filling:
- Once the crust is baked, arrange the sliced apples evenly over the crust.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to create a crumbly streusel mixture.
6. Add the Streusel Topping:
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple layer in the baking dish.
7. Bake Again:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Cool and Slice:
- Allow the Flaky Apple Pie Bars to cool in the baking dish before slicing into squares or bars.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these bars on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy the flaky crust, spiced apples, and crumbly streusel in every delicious bite.
Conclusion:
With its flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and buttery streusel topping, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars capture the essence of autumn in a convenient, handheld form. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply savoring at home, these bars offer the classic taste of apple pie with a delightful twist. Indulge in the warmth and comfort of fall with this irresistible treat.