Sour Cream Apple Squares

I'm always looking for apple recipes and this is one of my favorite desserts using apples. I made this cake yesterday. It should probably be cut into squares smaller than a piece of cake. I call it a cake but it's more of a bar cookie. The bottom layer adds a delicious crunch to this cinnamony moist apple dessert. Serve it as is, dust with confectioner's sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping.

Sour Cream Apple Squares
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 teaspoons Watkins Cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract
1 egg, beaten
2 cups chopped peeled apples
Confectioners' sugar
Whipped cream or topping (optional)

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and butter; blend at low speed until crumbly. Stir in the nuts. Press about 2 3/4 cups into the bottom of an ungreased 13-inch x 9-inch x 2-inch baking pan.

To the remaining crumb mixture, add cinnamon, baking soda, salt, sour cream, vanilla, and egg. Beat until thoroughly combined. Stir in apples.

Spoon evenly over bottom layer. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into squares. Garnish with whipped cream if desired. Yields 12-15 servings.