sfw | FOODIE
y th l a He : g n i t Ea
Apple Pie Bars and Muffins
Story & photos by Ashley Sornsin
I
t’s finally that time of year when apples are in peak season, ready for picking! Apples are incredibly juicy, crunchy and delicious. Whether or not you’re picking them fresh from a tree or purchasing from the store, apple season is here!
Does the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the Doctor away’ still apply, if the apples are in a bar or muffin?! Asking for a friend…. In all seriousness, these Apple Pie Bars and Apple Muffins are quite healthy and a great way to use apples. Apples have a ton of health benefits, so they become the star in these recipes. Both recipes use all whole food ingredients and no processed sugar, plus they are gluten, dairy and egg free, all while being full of flavor and nutrition! They’re easy to make and perfect for a delicious and healthy snack, dessert or even breakfast that your whole family will love! No one will know they’re actually good for them!
Apple Pie Bars (serves 16) Crust: • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter • ¼ cup pure maple syrup • 3 Tbsp refined coconut oil (no flavor) • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup almond flour • ¼ cup coconut flour • 1 tsp cinnamon • ¼ tsp baking soda • ¼ tsp sea salt Filling: • 3 apples, chopped (approx. 3 cups) • ¼ cup water • 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup • 2 tsp lemon juice • 2 tsp cinnamon • 2 tsp tapioca starch/flour • ½ tsp nutmeg • ¼ tsp sea salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350° and line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, apples, water, maple syrup and lemon juice. Allow apples to soften, then remove from heat and add in remaining filling ingredients, then allow to cool. In a separate bowl, combine crust ingredients until dough forms. Press ¾ of dough into pan and bake for 7 minutes. Spread apple mixture over top and add remaining ¼ of dough to top as a crumble. Then continue baking for 25 minutes. Allow to cool and cut into bars. 36
SiouxFallsWoman.net | August/September 2022
