Apple crumble bars

SERVES 12 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES

3 cups (450g) plain flour

1 cup (80g) desiccated coconut

¾ cup (165g) firmly packed brown sugar

300g unsalted butter, melted

½ cup (45g) rolled oats

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Store-bought thick caramel sauce, to serve

APPLE FILLING

40g unsalted butter, melted

8 red apples, peeled, cored, sliced thinly into 5mm pieces

½ cup (110g) brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground mixed spice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan. Lightly grease and line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper, leaving 2cm overhang on the two long sides.

2 Place flour, coconut, sugar and 250g butter in a large bowl, then mix until just combined and resembles breadcrumbs. Press twothirds of the crumble mixture into the base of pan. Freeze for 10 minutes or until firm. Bake for 25 minutes or until a light golden brown.

3 To make apple filling, place butter, apples, sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice and lemon juice in a large deep frying pan over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are just starting to soften and mixture is reduced and sticky. Cool apple mixture.

4 Arrange apple mixture in an even layer on top of the cooked base. Spoon over any juices and press down lightly.

5 To make topping, add oats, cinnamon and remaining melted butter to reserved crumble mixture. Mix gently to form a coarse, crumbly mixture. Sprinkle evenly over apple filling.

6 Bake for 40 minutes or until apples are tender and crumble is golden. Cool in the pan, then refrigerate until cold.

7 Using a serrated knife, cut into bars and for extra indulgence drizzle with caramel sauce. Suitable to freeze.

Turn to page 56 for an easy guide to growing your own apples at home! For more yummy recipes using seasonal produce, visit nzwomansweeklyfood.co.nz