Apple Crumb Bars

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F and lightly spray a 9x9 baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, if you like.

Step 2

Put the streusel ingredients in a small bowl and blend everything together with your fingertips until there is no more raw flour.

Step 3

Make sure to break down any large clumps of butter so there is a somewhat uniform crumbly texture. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Step 4

Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 5

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.

Step 6

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.

Step 7

Fold the dry ingredients into the butter/sugar mixture, along with the milk or cream.

Step 8

Spoon the batter in to the pan, and smooth out evenly.

Step 9

Top with the sliced apples. There's no need to arrange them precisely, but try to get them in an even layer.

Step 10

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Step 11

Bake for about 50 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out without wet batter clinging to it. Lay a loose layer of foil over the top if the crumble is browning too quickly.

Step 12

Let cool a bit in the pan before removing the sides. Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving.