-
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray.
-
2
To prepare the apple filling, in a large pan combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.
-
3
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender.
-
4
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water.
-
5
Add the cornstarch mixture to the apples and continue cooking, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes.
-
6
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
-
7
To make the crust, beat butter on medium speed of an electic mixer for about a minute.
-
8
Add the brown sugar and beat until fluffy, about an additional minute.
-
9
Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until well blended but still crumbly.
-
10
Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping, and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
-
11
Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly browned around the edges.
-
12
Remove from the oven.
-
13
Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
-
14
Stir the chopped walnuts or pecans and cinnamon into the reserved crumb mixture.
-
15
Sprinkle over the apple filling.
-
16
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
-
17
Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting.
