2 3/4cups Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 1/2tsp. Lemon Juice
3/4cupBrown Sugar, packed
1 1/2Tbsp. Maple Syrup
3/4tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2tsp.Vanilla Extract
For Streusel Topping:
3/4cupAll-Purpose Flour
1/2cupWalnuts
1/4cupOld-Fashioned Oats
1/2stickSalted Butter, melted
1/2cupBrown Sugar, packed
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch pan.
For the crust, stir together flour, butter,brown sugar, baking soda and cinnamon until fully incorporated.
Transfer the crust to a greased or parchment lined 8x8 inch pan. Press the crust into the bottom until it reaches the edges.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, make filling by adding the apples to a medium bowl with the lemon juice, sugar, maple syrup,spices, and vanilla extract. Toss to combine, then set aside.
Prepare topping by combining flour, walnuts, oats, butter, and brown sugar. Stir until clumps form
Take the crust out of the oven and pour apple filling over the crust. Spread to form an even layer.
Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. The bars will not hold their shape if cut too soon.