Hot Apple Crumble Bars (vegan)

1.5 cup whole-wheat pastry flour (or white flour, spelt, or oat flour)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup brown sugar (see notes below, for lower-sugar option)
1 stevia packet (or add another tbsp brown sugar)
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp cold vegan butter (See calorie link below, for fat-free option. And I know a few readers have successfully made this with coconut oil, but I haven’t tried it.)
2 tbsp milk of choice
2 cups peeled, chopped apple (8oz)
2 tsp cornstarch
3 tbsp pure maple syrup (or agave)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Stir together the first eight ingredients, making sure to break the butter up really well so that little crumbs form. Scoop 2/3 of the dough into a 4×7, oiled glass dish (or any small pan), and press down firmly. In a separate bowl, stir together the other ingredients. Layer them into the pan, then top with the rest of the dough from the first pan and press down a bit. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 F, then cool at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars. Store uncovered, unless you want a soft crust (in which case, you should cover completely with saran wrap).



Serving Size: 4 servings