Recipe: Magnolia Bakery Apple Bars with Oatmeal Crumb Topping

MAGNOLIA BAKERY APPLE BARS WITH OATMEAL CRUMB TOPPING
Source: More From Magnolia: Recipes from the World Famous Bakery and Allysa Torey's Home Kitchen by Allysa Torey
Makes 24 (20-inch) bars

CRUST:
1 cup (2 sticks) 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 oats (not quick cooking), plus 3 tablespoons (for sprinkling)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened and cut into small pieces
FILLING:
One 21-ounce can apple pie filling
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

TO MAKE THE CRUST:
In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and flour until crumbly and well combined. Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 13 X 9 baking pan, using your hands, pat the crust firmly and evenly into the pan.

Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, about 45 minutes.

TO MAKE THE TOPPING:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, oats and cinnamon.

Using a pastry blender, cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, using your hands, toss until all the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.

When the crust is cool, gently and evenly spread the apple filling over the crust, leaving a 1/4-inch edge all around.

Sprinkle the crumb topping over the filling, then sprinkle the additional 3 tablespoons of rolled oats over the crumb topping.

Bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.

TO MAKE THE GLAZE:
Combine the sugar and water, and beat until smooth. Cover until ready to use.

When the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze decoratively over the crumb topping. Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving.