Easy Paleo Apple Pie Bars (Vegan)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour (140g)
• 1/3 cup tapioca starch (40g)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp water
• 4 medium apples (500g or about 5 cups thinly chopped)
• 3 Tbsp melted coconut oil
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp tapioca starch
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8" x 8" glass baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients for the crust (almond flour, tapioca starch, cinnamon and salt). Mix, then add in the remaining crust ingredients (coconut oil, maple syrup, water). Mix first with a spatula, then use your hands to combine the dough.
3. Firmly press the crust dough into the baking dish. Set aside.
4. Thinly slice the apples and cut into about 1/2" pieces (remove the core, but no need to peel the skin).
5. Place the cut apples in a large mixing bowl and combine with the coconut oil, maple syrup, lemon juice and vanilla. Then mix in the tapioca starch and cinnamon.
6. Place the apples on a large frying pan and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Stir frequently so that the mixture doesn't burn. The apple filling is done when the apples are soft and the mixture has thickened.
7. Pour the apple filling over the crust and smooth out in an even, level layer.
8. Place in your preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
9. After baking, remove from oven and cool in pan to room temperature.
10. Bars cut best after sitting a night in the fridge, but can be eaten warm or cold.
11. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.