Delicious dessert bars with a nutty, brown sugar shortbread base topped with a creamy apple filling and a crumb topping. The perfect companion for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a billowy dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Sour Cream Apple Squares

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup chopped nuts
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples

Sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for accompaniment

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and butter; beat at low speed until crumbly. Stir in nuts. Press 2 3/4 cups of crumb mixture in bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
3. To remaining mixture, add cinnamon, baking soda, salt, sour cream, vanilla and egg; mix well. Stir in apples. Spoon evenly over base.
4. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into squares. Serve with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Makes 12 to 16 servings.