Meringue-topped apple pie bars: An innovative Rosh Hashanah dessert

Looking for an innovative way to incorporate apples into your Rosh Hashanah menu? Look no further than these meringue-topped apple pie bars. With layers of buttery pastry, cinnamon-scented apples and fluffy meringue, they're sweet, toasty and sure to be a hit.

The following recipe has been reprinted from "One Sarcastic Baker."

Ingredients:

For the shortcrust dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the apple filling:

3 large apples

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons potato starch

1/4 cup water

For the meringue and toppings:

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 large egg whites, room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup sliced toasted almonds

Directions:

For the shortcrust dough:

1. In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat butter, salt, corn syrup and sugar for 4-5 minutes until light and smooth.

2. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. On low speed, add the beaten egg. Mix until fully incorporated. Add vanilla, then flour 1/2 cup at a time. Mix until you have a soft, smooth dough. Do not over-mix!

3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before baking.

For the apple filling:

1. Peel and slice apples into 1/8-inch cubes. Coat with lemon juice, then place into a pan over medium heat. Once apples start to boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.

2. Strain apples into a bowl, leaving the liquid in the pan. Add sugar and cinnamon to the liquid and stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Mix potato starch with 1/4 cup water and add to the pan. Once thickened, re-add apples, remove from heat and blend. Allow to cool until room temperature.

For the meringue:

1. Place egg whites and salt into the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Gradually increase speed to high and beat until frothy.

2. Reduce speed to low-medium and slowly sprinkle in sugar.

3. Return speed to high and beat for 4-5 minutes until you have a shiny, strong meringue.

To assemble:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Line a 13-by-9 baking pan with parchment paper and grease the sides. Flatten shortcrust dough evenly inside baking pan. Using a fork, prick it thoroughly. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the sides of the pastry are starting to lightly brown.

3. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Note: Make the meringue at this point.

4. Evenly spread apple filling on top of baked dough and top it with meringue. Sprinkle with almonds.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meringue is evenly golden on top. Let cool completely before slicing. Serves 6-8.

This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher.