Peanut Butter Apple Bars

Ever get the hankering for peanut butter and apples? Or perhaps peanut butter and honey? Or maybe it's honey and apples? Whatever your craving, this recipe has it all. I just forewarn you that it is quite easy to eat a whole pan by yourself with a fork. In one sitting.

This recipe can be adapted for all kinds of dietary needs. I changed a lot from the original recipe and have made this with and without oil, with whole-wheat flour (but you could easily use oat flour or almond flour), and sometimes with honey and other times maple syrup. Tomato tomatoe, I say. Next time I make this, I need to remember to spread out the crust thinner. It gets a little thick and then burns easily and is too dry. Another warning: I literally make this crust frequently and just eat it straight. I only add the apples when I'm feeling fancy.

Vegan Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Apple Bars

Adapted from foodologie.com

Cookie Base:
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla

1. Combine wet ingredients for the cookie base, in a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients.

2. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir to combine. Avoid eating it all. Chill what's left in the freezer while you prepare apples.

Apple Filling:
5 apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients for apples, let sit for 10 minutes. 

2. Meanwhile, make the topping and preheat your oven to 350. 

Crumble Topping:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup coconut sugar
3 tbsp peanut butter
3 tbsp coconut oil

1. Combine all ingredients until the mixture resembles course crumbs. See the note above.
2. After your dough has been chilling for a while, press it into a 9 x 13 baking pan

3. On top of that, layer on the apples, then sprinkle on the topping. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool and enjoy.