Apple Strudel Bars

These bars make a very special treat and are beautiful to behold. 

These bars have a lot of flavors and textures going on, and I love the delicious fresh apple filling that tops the yummy cookie crust. And who doesn't love strudel?

I used to make and serve these bars, among other goodies, at my annual Beauty Salon Customer Appreciation Nights, and they were always a hit.

I will be posting other star recipes that I served at these beauty events.

These evenings were a lot of work but they were fun at the same time. At my salon, we would pre-book reservations for this evening of pampering. We would then do things like, free makeup sessions, mini-facials, hair styling demos, skincare and hair-care education, show trend releases, give aromatherapy stress relieving treatments and hand massages. We also offered our clients discounts on personal care packages, plus everyone was invited to eat the variety of gourmet foods we served.

I think you will enjoy serving these Apple Strudel Bars at your future special occasions...


Apple Strudel Bars Recipe:

CRUST:
3/4 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
2 1/4 c. flour
1/2 t. sea salt
1/2 t. baking powder

FILLING:
4 c. apple slices
3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. flour
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. sea salt

ICING:
1 c. powdered sugar
1 T. water or milk
1 t. real vanilla extract
a pinch of sea salt


Method:

Cream butter and sugar together, then add the egg and mix well.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt, and mix into to the butter mixture.
Remove approximately 1/3rd of the dough and set aside.
Press the remaining 2/3rds dough into an ungreased 9 X 13-inch pan.
Bake crust in a preheated 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, make the filling: Combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt, then add the sliced apples.
Coat apples thoroughly with the sugar mixture.
Arrange the coated apples onto the baked crust.
Crumble remaining 1/3rd dough over the apples.
Bake another 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from heat and let cool.
When cooled, mix up the icing, adding water or milk until it is a nice dribbling consistency.
Drizzle the Icing over the the cookie.
Cut into bars and serve.


TIP: I toss the apple slices in a bit of fresh lemon juice before coating in the flour mixture. This keeps the apples form oxidizing and turning brown, as well as brightening the flavor of the apple filling.


Enjoy!

Leila.


P.S. (See below)