Scrumptious Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients

For the crust:
• 11/2 cups flour
• 2 TB sugar
• 1 TB brown sugar
• 1 stick salted butter, softened (cut into one inch pieces)
For the filling:
• 5 apples (cored, peeled and diced)
• 1 clementine orange (peeled and diced) -optional
• 5 TB sugar
• 2 TB brown sugar
• 3 tsp corn starch
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 TB fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup apple jelly (can substitute for jam)
For the topping:
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 TB sugar
• 1 TB brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 4 TB butter, softened (cut into 1 inch pieces)

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 baking dish with foil and set aside.
2. In a large pan combine the apples, jelly, sugar and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
3. While the apples are cooking, combine the cornstarch and lemon juice in a small bowl. Combine with apple mixture and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until apples are tender.
4. For the crust, combine the flour, sugar and butter in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until the mixture forms crumbs. Press into the 9x13 pan and then bake for 10 minutes. Once the edges are lightly browned, remove from oven and top with apple mixture.
5. In a small bowl combine the topping ingredients and mix with a fork until the mixture forms crumbs. Spread crumb mixture on top of the apple mixture and bake bars for additional 25-30 minutes.
6. Once golden brown, remove from heat and allow to cool. These apple pie bars taste best while warm and topped with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!