Apple Crumble Bars

     Did you know that you can actually start baking even if you don't own a mixer? There are a lot of recipes for bars and cookies that are designed for a beginner like brownies, cookies and this particular recipe for Apple Crumble bars.  All of these can be made by hand with just two forks.

     You can use whichever apple variety you prefer for this recipe. But I personally prefer to use medium-sized Fuji apples in this case. I find the Washington apples to mushy when cooked while Granny Smiths are too tart for my taste. Just make sure you cut them small enough (about 1/2 inch cubes) that they are cooked perfectly once the crumble starts browning.

    You will also notice I use aluminum foil to line the pan. This is so that I can easily lift the whole baked crumble out of the pan. It will make cutting them into bars so much easier and less messy.

     This is perfect for a rainy day along with a pot of your favorite tea.


Apple Crumble Bars

Ingredients

Filling
2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup refined sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½  teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Crumb
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup refined sugar
½ cup butter
1 large egg

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line with foil and grease an 8 x 8 pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together apples, sugar, cornstarch and spices. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add butter. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, stir the mixture until lumps are the size of peas.
4. Add the egg and stir until dough comes together. Use your hands if  you need to.
5. Divide dough in half. Press half of dough onto bottom of prepared pan.
6. Spread the apple filling on the dough and crumble the remaining dough on top.
7. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes or until crumble is light golden brown.
8. Cool completely before slicing into bars.