Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Step 3

Add the softened butter and sugar to a separate bowl. Use a hand mixer and mix until light and fluffy. About 2-3 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined, another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until all ingredients are combined in a smooth dough.

Step 5

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes while you make the filling.

Step 6

Melt the butter in a 5qt (or similar) saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples and saute for 5 muniyes or until the apples are slightly soft. Add the sugar, 1/4 cup water and cinnamon and stir.

Step 7

Make the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and 1 tbs of water in a small cup or bowl, then slowly add to the apple filling. Continue to stir over medium heat until liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Assemble the bars: Press 2/3 of the dough into an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish, reserving the remaining 1/Pour the apple pie filling on top and spread into an even layer. Crumble remaining dough into small pieces and sprinkle it over the top of the filling.

Step 9

Bake at 350°F on middle rack for 35-30 minutes, or until crust on top is slightly golden.

Step 10

Let cook for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares and serve.