As I discussed yesterday, I found a few awesome recipes to start the year off on a sweet note! And those Apple Brownies were a HUGE hit at last night’s dinner (even if they were undercooked)!
This recipe was originally made with blueberry jam, but I decided to sub in this Cinnamon Candy Apple Butter from Door County.
It’s helpful to have a food processor to help blend together the butter into the cookie crust. I do wish that I had more apple butter for the bars…it definitely could have used a thicker layer!
These bars baked up beautifully!
Luckily, my little kitchen helper (who is not so helpful) snoozed most of the afternoon and stayed out of the kitchen.
These bars have so much potential and so many options, so check out your fridge to see what jam you have available.
Or make your own homemade with the end of summer bounty!
My favorite is this Naked Apple Butter!
Cinnamon Candy Apple Cookie Bars
Adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine
Makes 16 bars
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup blanched sliced almonds
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick (6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cold egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup any flavor preserve *Use MORE!
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . Line a 9-inch square baking pan with a 12-inch-long sheet of foil or spray with cooking spray. Using a food processor, mix the flour, almonds, sugar, baking soda and salt until the nuts are finely ground. Add the butter and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Beat together the egg and vanilla; drizzle over the dough mixture. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and knead with your fingertips until clumpy.
Transfer two-thirds of the dough to the pan and press into the bottom to form an even layer. Spread the preserves on top. Dot the top with the remaining dough in clumps.
Bake until the edges are lightly golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely. Turn out of the pan, remove the foil and cut into squares.
Luv What You Do 
That looks SO good. But, even better is that picture of little Cooper! SO CUTE!
Thanks for sharing all these recipes, but I may be sending you a bill for the seamstress when I have to let my pants out!
He he! I know that is the dangerous part of all of this baking! Cooper is way cuter than any dessert and growing more and more every day. I can’t stop taking pics of him : )
Oh my gosh, these sound so good! Fruit desserts are my favorite.
Haha, my cat isn’t much more helpful in the kitchen, either! They are darn cute, though! 🙂
So cute! I take soo many pictures of him!
But his favorite spot is on the counter (or in the sink) which is tough when I’m baking. Hope you get to make the bars. They are SOO good!
OMG cinnamon apple candy butter? I really hope I can find this stuff…it sounds magical!
I’m sure somewhere on line or you could always try and make your own. It’s apple and crockpot season!
You baking bloggers impress me so much! I never understand how you know how much flour to put/sugar etc when developing recipes. I also think you did a wonderful choice by replacing the jam, apple cinnamon FTW! 🙂
Oh I usually have to follow a recipe because I don’t have a great feel for it yet, but I am learning. What is harder is trying not to eat EVERYTHING when it is warm and out of the oven : )
I’m making these soon! I’ve already got all of the ingredients – I can’t wait!!!! Looks SO good!!! ~Gretchen
I think that’s what makes these soo fun is that most of the ingredients are pantry staples and then you can use a seasonal jelly or jam. Enjoy!!!