Vegan Apple Crumble Bars with Shortbread Base

These Vegan Apple Crumble Bars combine a buttery shortbread base, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping. Drizzled with vegan caramel sauce, they're a delicious and comforting treat perfect for autumn.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• Plain / all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): 500g
• Caster sugar: 150g
• Dairy-free butter (cold and cubed): 350g

For the Crumble:

• Plain / all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): 250g
• Light brown sugar: 150g
• Dairy-free butter (cold and cubed): 200g

For the Apple Filling:

• Cold water: 330ml
• Cornflour/cornstarch: 2 tbsp
• Caster sugar: 100g
• Ground cinnamon: 2 heaped tsp
• Green apples (peeled, cored, and sliced): 3 medium

Extras:

• Vegan caramel sauce: [Refer to the provided recipe] (halve the batch)

Instructions

Shortbread Base Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan). Line a 9x9 inch square baking tin with parchment paper, ensuring both the base and sides are covered.
2. In a bowl, sift the flour and sugar together. Incorporate the cubed butter by rubbing it with your fingertips into the dry mixture until a dough forms.
3. Firmly press the dough into the base of your prepared tin and prick with a fork.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until it's a light golden hue. Remove and set aside but keep it in the tin.

Crumble Method:

1. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and sugar.
2. Incorporate the cubed butter in the same manner as before, but this time, you're aiming for a crumbly texture. Set this aside.

Apple Filling Method:

1. Optionally peel and then thinly slice the apples.
2. In a saucepan, combine water, cornflour, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Add the apple slices and cook over medium-high heat for about 5-8 minutes, until the mixture thickens and turns syrupy. The apples should soften slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let sit for an additional 5 minutes.

Assembly and Baking:

1. Pour the apple mixture over the baked shortbread, ensuring even coverage.
2. Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture on top, pressing it down slightly.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crumble turns golden brown and the apple mixture bubbles.
4. Let the bars cool in the tin for 1-2 hours. For best results, refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
5. Lift the set mixture out using the parchment paper and cut into 10-12 squares.

Serving Suggestion:
Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce before serving for added decadence. Enjoy your delightful Vegan Apple Crumble Bars!