Flaky Apple Pie Bars

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup apple cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.

In a food processor, pulse together flour and granulated sugar. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the pan …