Directions:
1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
3.Add the cold cubed butter and vanilla extract.
4.Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5.Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
6.In another bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are coated.
7.Arrange the coated apple slices evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
8.Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling.
9.Allow the apple pie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
10.If desired, make a simple by drizzling some caramel over the cooled bars.
11.Once the glaze has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the apple pie bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or bars.
12.Serve your delicious apple pie bars as a sweet treat or dessert. They’re great on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
