Apple Crisp Bar

My girls and I went apple picking this early October.  We picked and ate as much as we could carry. As our bag got heavy and full, I encouraged the girls to keep picking and stuff them in their pockets.  I had gone absolutely mad in that orchard, and I make no apologies!
I had a lot of plans for those gorgeous off the tree, Jonah Golds, MacIntosh and Pink Ladies that we had gathered.
One of those plans was an apple crisp cookie. I had envisioned an in hand type of cookie, but truly this is a plate and fork kind of guy.  If you don't mind it a little messy, pick it up and go for it.
But again...no apologies, it is pure Autumn heaven.
Roasting the apples while you prepare the crust and topping, will make the filling extra flavorful, moist and delicious.

Apple Crisp Bar 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (you will use this for roasting the apples.)

Also line a 9x9 baking square pan with parchment paper so that one inch is hanging off of two sides. (you will use this to  easily lift the entire pan out when finished). Spray or very lightly oil paper and sides of pan.

Filling:

4-6 apples peeled and cut into inch pieces ( I like a mixture of apples here)

Juice of 2 fresh lemons

1/2 cup agave or maple syrup

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Combine these ingredients in a mixing bowl, tossing well to coat.  Spread onto papered baking sheet and place in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Once the apples are roasted, I transfer mine to the vita mix and pulse it a bit to combine it but still leave it a little chunky.  I give it a taste here...you may want to add a bit of brown sugar here.  Your choice though...you are the chef!

While the apples are cooling make the crust and topping:

In large mixing bowl, whisk together:

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour, spelt,or all purpose flour

2 cup rolled oats (not instant or quick cooking)

1/4 cup ground flax meal

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar

Then add in:

1 cup of vegan butter (I use earth balance)

Use your hands to mix the ingredients together and make it crumbly and moist.

Press 1/2 of the mixture into the bottom of the pan firmly to form the crust.   

Smooth 2 cups of apple filling on top of the crust 

Sprinkle the remaining topping on top of the apple filling, pressing down lightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Remove from the oven and place pan on a wire rack allowing to cool. It will remove easier and stay together if you can wait long enough for it to cool completely.  (we of course, could not...it is super yummy warm too!)

Cut into squares and enjoy!