Looking for an innovative way to incorporate apples into your Rosh Hashanah menu? Look no further than these meringue-topped apple pie bars. With layers of buttery pastry, cinnamon-scented apples, and fluffy meringue, they’re sweet, toasty, and sure to be a hit!
Reprinted from One Sarcastic Baker.
Keep the flavors of Jewish food alive.
The Nosher celebrates the traditions and recipes that have brought Jews together for centuries. Donate today to keep The Nosher’s stories and recipes accessible to all.
Ingredients
For the shortcrust dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large apples
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp potato starch
- 1/4 cup water
For the meringue and toppings:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup sliced toasted almonds
Directions
For the shortcrust dough:
- In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat butter, salt, corn syrup, and sugar for 4-5 minutes until light and smooth.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. On low speed, add the beaten egg. Mix until fully incorporated. Add vanilla, then flour 1/2 cup at a time. Mix until you have a soft, smooth dough. Do not over mix!
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before baking.
For the apple filling:
- Peel and slice apples into 1/8" cubes. Coat with lemon juice then place into a pan over medium heat. Once apples start to boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Strain apples into a bowl, leaving the liquid in the pan. Add sugar and cinnamon to the liquid and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix potato starch with 1/4 cup water and add to the pan. Once thickened, re-add apples, remove from heat, and blend. Allow to cool until room temperature.
For the meringue:
- Place egg whites and salt into the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Gradually increase speed to high and beat until frothy.
- Reduce speed to low-medium and slowly sprinkle in sugar.
- Return speed to high and beat for 4-5 minutes until you have a shiny, strong meringue.
To assemble:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a 13×9 baking pan with parchment paper and grease the sides. Flatten shortcrust dough evenly inside baking pan. Using a fork, prick it thoroughly. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the sides of the pastry are starting to lightly brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Note: Make the meringue at this point.
- Evenly spread apple filling on top of baked dough and top it with meringue. Sprinkle with almonds.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meringue is evenly golden on top. Let cool completely before slicing.
