Applesauce Linzer Bars (Gluten- Free Variation as well)

by Karen Sheer

Tastes like an apple crumb pie in a bar! Perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert buffet – not too sweet with a touch of warm spices.

These bars get a flavor boost from cloves, cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg

Attention all you bakers! Make these easy bars for the ultimate Fall treat. Not too sweet with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in the crumb crust.

Gluten-Free – no problem!! For these bars, pictured above – I have used a gluten-free flour blend… They’re delicious!!

Similar ingredients to Linzer bars – ground nuts, butter, flour and confectioner’s sugar are the main ingredients for the crust/topping. I’ve added rolled oats and warm spices to make them special.

The mixture (dough) doubles as a topping – just sprinkle and bake. Oatmeal, almonds and walnuts in the crust/topping adds a healthy content and fiber.

To Make:
Simply press 2/3’s of the dough on the bottom of your pan.
Smooth homemade applesauce on top (will add some sugar and flour to sweeten and thicken.)
Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the dough on top to almost cover.
Bake, cool and cut into squares.

Homemade chunky applesauce is the filling (see my simple recipe.) Soft apples; Golden Delicious, Macon and McIntosh are easier to peel, and cook very quickly!

I was happy to accept these wonderful apples that were literally falling off my friend’s Isabelle’s tree. It’s fun to make applesauce, especially after apple picking, when you bring home buckets of apples wondering what to do with them! Farmers’ Markets are also a great way to purchase apples, many times organic and super-fresh.

Thanksgiving Holiday Dessert Guide – What I’m having at my table this year:

Pumpkin Pie (a friend is baking)
Southern Pecan Pie
Applesauce Linzer Bars – Gluten- Free
Flourless Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Vegan Butter Pecan “Ice Cream”
Fresh Berries

See below for my favorite Thanksgiving A Zest For Life Recipes!
Have a sweet, healthy and tasty Thanksgiving,
Karen