I love Christmas, but when I was in a local mall on Halloween and noticed Christmas decorations hanging above me I can’t say I was happy. October (even if it’s the last day) is in my opinion far too early to begin celebrating Christmas. As I said, I’m no Grinch. I treasure Christmas and all the joy it brings, but a big part of the joy is the uniqueness of the season. When it’s spread over months it loses some of its shine. Enter this Apple Bar Recipe.
Two days after Halloween is done and dusted, I’m at home baking up this Apple Bar recipe for the first time. Enjoying the baking experience (as usual) I notice a distinctly Christmas flavour. The sweetness of grated apple mixed with the zest of lemon rind and the zing of mixed spice—Christmas was arriving early in our home! And this time I can’t say I was complaining. It was November by now, ok?? This combination of flavours ignited the Christmas spirit within me. As I savoured these Apple Bars, I felt excitement and anticipation for the first time this year for the season just around the corner.
The Apple Bars were practically inhaled by my family and neighbourhood children who popped in to indulge in an afternoon treat. My husband loves both apple and coconut (of which these bars have both) and LOVED these bars. So if you’re partial to either apples or Christmas, give our bars a try and let the festivities begin!
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
- 4 ounces (115 grams) butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tps vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cornflour
- 1 cup all purpose (plain) flour
- 1 tips baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 4 apples
- 1 dessertspoon grate lemon rind
- ½ cup coconut
- 1 tips mixed spice
- Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla and beaten eggs. Fold in sifted flour, cornflour, baking powder and salt. Spread half the mixture into a greased and lined 7in (18cm) by 11in (28cm) baking tin.
- Peel and grate apples, put in bowl. Add lemon rind, coconut, and mixed spice. Spread over cake mixture, then spread remaining cake mixture on top.
- Bake at 350F for approx. 45 minutes.
- Cut into bars. Serve warm with custard as dessert or eat cold as cake.
