Golden Apple Bliss Bars

Golden Apple Bars: A Delectable Fusion of Shortbread and Luscious Apple Filling

Overview:
Golden Apple Bars, a delightful creation that seamlessly marries a buttery shortbread crust with a sumptuous apple filling, offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. This adopted recipe, tailored to perfection, features a not-too-sweet Gala apple filling nestled atop a golden shortbread base. The meticulous balance of ingredients ensures a delectable treat, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of bar cookies.

Time Management:
Before diving into this culinary journey, let’s glance at the timeline to ensure a smooth cooking experience:

Ingredients:
For the Base:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 3-4 apples (Gala recommended), chopped in a food processor
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-3 tablespoons milk

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 48 Bars):

• Calories: 100.1
• Fat: 3.2g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 9mg
• Sodium: 51.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 17.1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 10.1g
• Protein: 1.1g

Recipe Instructions:

Base:

1. Begin by creaming together 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup margarine, and powdered sugar until a smooth consistency is achieved.
2. Gradually blend in 1 1/2 cups of flour until a cohesive mixture forms.
3. Pat this delectable mixture onto the bottom of a 15 x 10 x 3/4-inch pan, ensuring an even layer.
4. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes or until the crust achieves a delightful golden-brown hue.

Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, combine 1-3/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this flour mixture aside for later use.
2. Utilizing a food processor, chop 4 Gala apples until you have approximately 2-1/2 cups of finely chopped apples.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Blend in brown sugar, lemon zest, egg, vanilla, and the finely chopped apples.
4. Stir the previously set aside flour mixture into the apple blend until well combined.
5. Spread this luscious apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked shortbread base; be prepared for a thick and indulgent layer.
6. Bake the assembled layers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into perfection.

Cinnamon Glaze:

1. As the bars emerge warm from the oven, prepare the crowning glory – the Cinnamon Glaze.
2. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1-3 tablespoons of milk.
3. Blend this heavenly mixture until a smooth consistency is achieved.
4. While the bars are still warm, generously spread this aromatic Cinnamon Glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides, imparting a sweet finishing touch.

Conclusion:
Golden Apple Bars, with their meticulously crafted shortbread base and a generous layer of apple goodness, embody the essence of a perfect bar cookie. This adopted recipe, fine-tuned to embrace the sweetness of Gala apples, promises a delectable treat for your taste buds. Delight in the process of creating these bars, savoring the aroma as they bake, and relish the final moments as you generously drizzle the Cinnamon Glaze over the warm bars. Share the joy of Golden Apple Bars with friends and family, and let each bite tell a tale of culinary perfection.