Red Hot Apple Squares

Source: 21st Pillsbury Bake off

Some red hots will melt during baking, others will stay crunchy.

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 eggs
1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon extract
4 cups Pillsbury All-Purpose Flour*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (21 ounce can) prepared apple pie filling
1/2 cup chopped nuts
3/4 cup (6 1/2 ounces) red cinnamon candies

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

There is no need to sift flour; measure by lightly spooning into cup and leveling off.

In large mixer bowl, combine butter, powdered sugar, eggs, lemon extract, flour, baking soda and salt; blend at low speed until moistened. Firmly press 2/3 of dough into bottom of ungreased 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan. Spread with apple pie filling; sprinkle with nuts and cinnamon candies. Crumble remaining dough on top.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until light golden brown. Cool completely; cut into bars.

Tips: If desired, prepare as directed in an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Press 1/2 of dough into pan, and crumble remaining 1/2 on top of pie filling.

1 (17 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained, can be used for the apple pie filling.

For use with Pillsbury Self-Rising Flour, omit soda and salt.

Makes 36 bars.

HIGH ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT - 5,200 feet. No adjustment necessary.