Everyone loves these APPLE PIE BARS. There are 3 layers: A sweet and buttery shortbread crust, topped with a juicy apple filling and topped with a sweet and crunchy streusel topping. Even picky-picky husband gives these a (rare) "Two Thumbs Up" !!!
It was hard to get a good photo
This recipe only requires 3 large apples + pantry staples, so it has been a favorite during this Corona Virus grocery shortage.

The full recipe makes a 9 x 13 pan of bars, but if you are like us (empty nesters), half of the recipe works well in a 9 x 9 pan. They also freeze well.

SHORTBREAD CRUST21 tablespoons of butter, melted and cooled to room temp.This seems like a lot of butter, but it makes an upper AND lower crust1 cup of white sugar2 large egg YOLKS3 cups + 3 tablespoons all purpose flour 2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix crust ingredients with a stand mixer because it makes a very stiff dough. Pat TWO CUPS of this dough evenly into a parchment (or foil) lined 9 x 13 pan (you will use the rest of the dough in the struesel topping, later in the recipe). 

Once you get the crust patted out evenly in the 9 x 13 pan, prick it with a fork, like this, then put the pan of raw dough in the freezer for about 10 minutes. 

Bake the 9 x 13 chilled crust, on the middle rack of your oven, for 20 minutes at 325°. 
While the crust is par-baking, core and peel large 3 apples (any variety). Put them in the food processor with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, a 1/4 teaspoon&n...