Apple Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9x13 pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are a pale gold. Remove from the oven and set aside.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
6. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are translucent and fragrant.
7. Whisk the cornstarch with a teaspoon of water to create a slurry; stir it into the apples.
8. Simmer for 2 more minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy. Pour the mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
9. In a small bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon using your fingers until it looks like coarse wet sand.
10. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple layer.
11. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is a deep mahogany brown.