More from Magnolia Bakery...Apple bars with oatmeal crumb topping

Can you handle this?  I tried another recipe from my More from Magnolia Bakery cookbook and fell in love yet again.  It's amazing...An apple bar with Oatmeal crumb topping that actually tastes like apple pie.  The best part is you can pick it up and eat it with your hands, or wrap it up and pack it in your kids lunches.  This dessert/snack is a perfect Fall treat, but I couldn't resist making them today (and it's 100 degrees here)  because I simply, positively, can not, will not put my Magnolia Bakery cookbook down.   Everything in it is homemade, from scratch, scrumptious and easy as pie (yes, they have that too).  If you haven't purchased one of your very own order one here.  Or you can just sit tight and relax while I try every single recipe and post it for you here.  I'm smitten!

As usual my little helper (three year old son) wanted to get his hands in this today.  I love "mommy and me" time so I am always thrilled when he wants to bake.  The apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. 

Get it?  An apple reference. 

The crust is a simple mix of butter and flour.  Just mix it on medium speed in your kitchen aid to combine and transfer to a 13x9 dish.  Pat with your hands and spread on bottom of pan. 

Of course I had to step in...(so did he)

After baking your crust and letting it cool, spread the filling.

Next, make the topping that goes on your canned apple filling.  Use a pastry blender to cut in butter to a fabulous blend of oats, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix with your hands to further combine. 

 At this point my son thought it would be cool to fling it across the room so I took over from here.

spread apple filling on crust and sprinkle with topping mixture and three tablespoons oats.

Bake for 45 minutes...boy does it smell really good.  Like a Christmas Yankee Candle.

drizzle with a mixture of confectioners sugar and water...a perfect blend of sweetness.

Ooh la la!! 

I told you it's like apple pie.  It even looks like it. Okay, I admit I cut into it while it was still warm.  It will come out more like a bar if it's at room temp. before you cut it

I mean, just look at the apple oozing, the topping crisp and sweet, the crust soft and mellow.  Okay, I won't keep you any longer...I know you want to get in the kitchen and bake some right now.

Apple Bars with Oatmeal Crumb Topping

Magnolia Bakery

Ingredients 

• Crust:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into small pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup rolled oat (not quick cooking)
• 3 tablespoons rolled oats, reserved for sprinkling (not quick cooking)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into small pieces
• Filling:
• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
• Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon water

Directions 

1. To make the crust: in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the butter and flour until crumbly and well combined.
2. Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 13×9 inch baking pan.
3. Using your hands, pat the crust firmly and evenly into the pan.
4. Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes; remove from oven a let cool completely, about 45 minutes.
5. To make the topping: in a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, oats, and cinnamon together.
6. With a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; then using your hands, toss until all the ingredients are well combined; set aside.
7. When the crust is cooled, evenly spread the apple filling over the crust, leaving a 1/4-inch edge all around.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling; sprinkle the additional 3 tablespoons rolled oats over the crumb topping.
9. Bake for 45 minutes; allow to cool to room temperature.