Apple Pie Bars

Directions

Crust and Topping:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with Baker’s Joy® Nonstick Baking Spray with Flour.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted shortening, vanilla extract and lemon juice until well blended and creamy.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt.
4. Add the flour mixture to the shortening mixture and stir until you have a dough that will hold together.
5. Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 18 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Filling:

1. In the bowl used for the flour mixture, combine the apple pie filling, cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
2. When the crust has cooled, pour the apple pie filling on top of the crust. Take the remaining one-third of the dough and crumble it over the top of the pie filling.
3. If desired, sprinkle the top with 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts.
4. Bake for 24 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting.
6. Dust tops with powdered sugar and/or drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired.
7. Store in the refrigerator.