Homestyle Apple Pie Crumble Bars

In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Place the remaining crumb mixture in the refrigerator.

In a separate bowl, combine the 2 diced Granny Smith apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apple layer.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into 12 squares.