Korus’ mom enjoyed these bars in the afternoon with a cup of coffee, and I have to agree that these babies are the ultimate afternoon snack. Packed with fresh apples and a sinfully sweet streusel topping, these bars are a crowd pleaser.

—Vianney Rodriguez, Food Editor

Streusel
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Bars
2/3 cup shortening
2 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large or 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Streusel In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and butter. Mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Bars Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch pan with cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl, beat shortening and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, salt and vanilla and mix until combined, scraping down sides as needed.

4. With a spatula, stir in flour, cinnamon and baking powder until well combined. Gently fold in apples and pecans.

5. Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with streusel. Bake 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a tooth-pick inserted comes out clean.

Serves 12.