Ingredients

Prep 15 minutes, baking 35 to 40 minutes, start to finish 55 minutes

7-ounce package almond paste, grated
1 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon apple-pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peeled, diced, firm apple, such as a Granny Smith
1/4 cup slivered almonds

Optional garnish:
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.

Add almond paste, flour, oats, baking powder, apple-pie spice and salt to a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until mixture is the texture of sand; or cut together in a bowl with a pastry blender. Set aside.

In a medium bowl combine the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until well mixed. Add eggs one at a time, beating together until light and fluffy. Add milk and beat until mixed.

Add flour mixture and apples to butter-sugar mixture. Stir until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle with almonds. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Makes 16 squares.