A couple months ago, I was introduced to one of the most amazing sweet treats I’ve ever tasted. My friend, Katie, brought Glazed Apple Bars (courtesy of her sis-in-law’s recipe) to a meeting one night and we all oooohed and aaaaaahed over the goodness set before us.
Trav pretty much loves all things apple so, because I’m such a nice wife, I sacrificially saved a bite or two for him. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever seen such joy on the face of my husband as I did the moment he bit into the baked apple perfection.
He immediately said, “You HAVE to get the recipe for these.”
Luckily for him, Katie was sweet enough to have brought copies of the recipe with the bars that night.
I finally got around to making them week before last and they were a total and complete hit.
Tonight, Trav asked me if I am planning on making them for Christmas.
Um, yes, yes, I will.
Mostly because I love them every bit as much as he does, but he can just keep on thinking I’m doing it just for him.
They’re definitely not for those who fear butter.
Or sugar.
But, come on people, it’s Christmas-time. Live a little. Treat yourself. You’ll be soooooo glad you did.
And just a side-note for Kristin F. – These are easy. I promise.
Here’s the how-to.
Preheat oven to 350º
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine with a whisk:
4 Cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Cups sugar
Add 3 sticks of butter (cut into small pieces) and blend with hands until the mixture is crumbly and the consistency of sand.
Spray a jelly-roll pan with Pam and sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top. Press two-thirds of the shortbread mixture into the pan.
Peel, core, and thinly slice 3-4 Granny Smith apples. Layer apples (slightly overlapping) on top of the shortbread mixture.
Combine 1/3 – 1/2 Cup of sugar with 1 tsp. of cinnamon and sprinkle over apples.
Crumble the remaining shortbread mixture on top of apples.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, until edges of the shortbread are crispy.
Now, to make the Glaze:
Mix 1 Cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp. pure almond extract (the real stuff, not imitation) with just enough water to get a consistency that will drizzle easily.
Drizzle over warm apple bars and enjoy!
Suzanne said,
December 22, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
Sounds delish! I’m going to have to make these for J. He loves apple sweets. These sound right up his alley. He’s going to have to wait for his birthday in February, though. My Christmas baking sheet is full!
jenny roby said,
December 22, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
Mmm! That maybe a perfect “first baked goodie” for our new house! Sounds like it will go well with a new year ham, blackeyed peas, homemade mac-n-cheese, and rolls. Hopefully we can get unpacked enough for that to happen. :P
jami nato said,
December 22, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
mmmm, love the ingredients already. if you’re going to eat a dessert, why not go all out.
p.s. totally sad about no picture displaying said apple bars.
melissa said,
December 22, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
i’ve made these things twice… and they are unreal!!!!! it makes a ton, & they are extra yummy heated & served w/ bluebell vanilla ice cream (but that always makes everything taste better)!
Your Mother said,
December 23, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Can’t wait to treat everyone with these! Hey, Jennie, I think we are coming to your house for New Year’s… :-)
Your Mother said,
December 23, 2009 @ 10:41 am
I mean Jenny! Brain cloud…
Rhonda said,
December 23, 2009 @ 2:24 pm
Sound great to me!! I’ll have to try these!
Susan said,
January 7, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
Sounds delicious. Since your husband likes apples you need to try Paula Deen’s Carmel Apple Cheesecake. Your husband will love it! It has become one of our family favorites. So yummy!
Faith Of A Child « said,
September 23, 2010 @ 10:28 am
[...] On a totally different note. The recipe for the Glazed Apple Bars mentioned in the previous post can be found here. [...]