Dutch Apple Pie Bars

I found this gorgeous looking apple crumble bar recipe on pinterest.  But when I made it, the crust was wrong and there was too much butter in it.  So I tinkered with it swapping out the crust for one from another bar.  Cut out a third of the butter in the recipe.  The bars now have a crispy crust and a lot less of it.  They also stay crisp after cooling.  Definite improvement.

Dutch Apple Pie Bars

Crust
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces & chilled
1 tablespoon whole milk

Filling
5-6 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored and coarsely diced
5 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup apricot fruit preserves

Topping
1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line an 8 inch square pan with a foil sling.  Spray foil.
2. Crust: Process flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in food processor until just combined.  Add butter and milk and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal (about 10 pulses).  Transfer mixture to pan and press into an even layer.  Bake until edges are lightly browned, about 16-20 minutes.  Place on rack to cool.  Spread preserves evenly over crust while still warm.
3. Filling: In a large skillet, combine the apples, sugar and cinnamon.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until apples are tender, but still firm.  In a small cup, whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice.  Add to apple mixture and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until juices are thickened.  Removed from heat and let cool a few minutes.  Top preserve covered crust with apple mixture.  Spreading evenly over top.  
4. Topping:  Process all ingredients in the food processor until all ingredients are coarsely mixed.  Sprinkle over the apple layer.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and allow to cool. 

Source: Adapted from Annie's Eats and Cooks Country June/July 2011.

These bars are just delicious.  They taste just like a dutch apple pie.  But much easier to make and a smaller amount too.  :)