Apple Pie Bars
Apple Pie Bars are the perfect cozy treat to welcome fall! Imagine a soft, cookie-style base topped with thin, cinnamon-kissed apple slices, all finished with a sweet, crunchy walnut and oat streusel. It’s like enjoying a slice of apple pie, but with a fun and easy twist!
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45
Serves: 8
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup superfine almond flour (not almond meal)
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon flax meal
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Apple Filling:
- 4 medium sized apples, peeled and thinly sliced (I recommend Granny Smith or McIntosh apples)
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ¾ cup walnuts
- ½ cup oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Crust: In a medium size bowl, whisk together the almond flour, oat flour, flax meal, tapioca starch, and baking powder until thoroughly combined. Add the applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until the ingredients are combined and a thick dough forms. Press the dough into the parchment-lined pan until it is spread out evenly. Bake for 12 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, make the apple pie filling and streusel. Peel the apples and thinly slice then into ¼ inch slices. Add the apple slices to a medium sized bowl and mix with the remaining apple filling ingredients.
- In a food processor, add the streusel topping ingredients and pulse until you reach a crumbly mixture. Set aside.
- Remove the baked crust from the oven and top with the apple filling and sprinkle the streusel evenly on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Top with your favorite plant-based ice cream.