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It’s hot. Oh so hot. Too hot to bake.
Like that’s ever stopped me before.
It’s no secret that fall flavors are my favorites — apple, pumpkin, cinnamon and spice. (I also prefer fall weather to 90-degree heat waves …)
So, while preparing dessert for a recent family dinner, I needed a non-chocolate option to go along with my Mini Gluten-Free Flourless Chocolate Cakes, and I had a wicked craving for apples. A quick look at my “Sweets I Want to Eat” board on Pinterest provided the perfect option: Apple Streusel Bars from Lovin’ From the Oven.
I’m rarely one to follow recipes to the letter. I opted to dice my apples instead of slice them. Then, I totally eye-balled the amount of cinnamon I added. (In my opinion, you can never have too much). I did make a slight mistake on the dough, which turned out to be a happy accident. I was in a bit of a hurry, and put the butter in the microwave to soften just a bit, but it became too soft. The dough, in turn, resembled more of a sticky batter, but I went with it.
I’m so glad I did. It all worked out in the end — I got my apples and the fam seemed happy about it too!
Apple Streusel Bars
(Recipe from Lovin’ From the Oven)
Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
Apple Filling:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2-3 tsp. cinnamon
4 cups (about 6 small Gala apples), diced
Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp. milk
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8×8 pan. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until it resembles pea-size crumbs. Gently mix in beaten egg.
2. Prepare filling: Combine apples, sugar, flour and cinnamon.
3. Spread 2/3 of the dough in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with apple filling mixture. Sprinkle remaining 1/3 dough over top evenly to cover.
4. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until top is slightly brown and sides pull away from the edges. Allow to cool completely, while you prepare the glaze.
5. Mix powdered sugar and milk until it resembles a thin frosting. Drizzle over cooled apple bars and allow to harden. Cut into 9 bars and serve.
What’s your favorite non-chocolate dessert? Post a comment below.
