apple streusel bars

Last week I got some pretty great news! I graduated from nursing school a little over two years ago, and have struggled since then to find a job that fits my family’s needs. I have worked part time doing flu shots for the last two years, but haven’t been able to find anything more permanent that was less than full time. However, last week I was offered a really great part time position at a wonderful facility! I’m so excited about it! My husband is still in school, and with our two little kiddos it seems we’re always running short on both time and money. I’m so grateful to have been offered a position that is just two days per week, and will provide enough extra income to make things a little more comfortable for us. In honor of my new job, I made this delicious dessert to celebrate!

These apple streusel bars are perfect for an indulgent breakfast or dessert! I love the contrast between the sweet, juicy apples, and the buttery warm streusel. And the almond glaze over the top just makes it all the more delicious. The only change I made was to scale down the recipe a little to fit into a 10 inch springform pan. It’s easy and quick to prepare, and would make the perfect addition to a Christmas brunch. Yum!

Apple Streusel Bars
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streusel:
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, softened
1 egg, beaten

apple filling:
1/2 c. white sugar
1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 c. (about 3 medium) sliced, peeled baking apples (I used granny smith)

glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
About 3 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. almond extract

To prepare crust, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until you have pea-sized crumbles. Gently mix in beaten egg. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Gently pat about 2/3 of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the dish. Preheat oven to 350 and set aside.

To prepare apple filling, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon and toss with apples. Spread apples out on prepared crust. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture over apples evenly and bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. When finished, allow to cool completely.

To prepare glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Drizzle glaze over cooled pastry and allow to harden. Cut into bars and serve.