Apple Pie Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. 2
   To prepare the apple filling, in a large pan combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.
3. 3
   Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender.
4. 4
   In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water.
5. 5
   Add the cornstarch mixture to the apples and continue cooking, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes.
6. 6
   Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
7. 7
   To make the crust, beat butter on medium speed of an electic mixer for about a minute.
8. 8
   Add the brown sugar and beat until fluffy, about an additional minute.
9. 9
   Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until well blended but still crumbly.
10. 10
    Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping, and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
11. 11
    Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly browned around the edges.
12. 12
    Remove from the oven.
13. 13
    Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
14. 14
    Stir the chopped walnuts or pecans and cinnamon into the reserved crumb mixture.
15. 15
    Sprinkle over the apple filling.
16. 16
    Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
17. 17
    Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting.