Apple Cinnamon Bars

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" square pan, or line with a parchment paper "sling" and spray with nonstick spray.

Step 2

For the bars: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and salt until soft. Add the egg and boiled cider, beat until fluffy.

Step 3

Add the apple (or pumpkin) butter and mix to combine.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, dried apples, and nuts. Stir into the butter mixture. Scrape the bowl and mix for 30 seconds more.

Step 5

Spread the batter in the prepared pan.

Step 6

Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.

Step 7

Once cool, loosen the edges and use the sling to pull the slab out of the pan to cut and glaze.

Step 8

For the glaze: Stir together the confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 9

Add the boiled cider (or milk) and stir until smooth, adding a few drops more milk as needed to achieve a good consistency for drizzling.

Step 10

Drizzle over each square to glaze.

Step 11

Store, covered, for 5 days on the counter. Freeze for up to a month.