DUTCH APPLE CRUMB BARS

Dutch Apple Crumb Bars image

Provided by Susan Cutler

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 18

CRUST
1 1/2 c unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c cold, unsalted butter
1 egg yolk
2 1/2 Tbsp cold water
FILLING AND TOPPING
3 c apples, chopped, peeled and cored
1/2 c chopped pitted dates
1/4 c sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 c unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 c rolled oats
1/3 c packed light brown sugar
1/2-1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
1/4 c cold, unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees and grease a 9x9 inch pan. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse to blend, then add butter in pieces.
2. Process about 10 seconds to make a fine meal. Blend yolk and water. Pour over dry ingredients and process until damp crumbs form. Pat crumbs into bottom and halfway up sides of pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Mix apples, dates, sugar, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over crust. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and rub it in to make moist crumbs. Cover apples with topping and pat gently.
4. Bake 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.