Spicy Apple Butter Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 package (500 g) of spiced biscuit mix
• 2 packets (20g each) of cider mix with spices
• 1 and 1/4 cups apple juice
• 1 cup apple butter
• 0.5 cups vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 0.5 cup dried apples, finely chopped
• 220 g softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup premium flour

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sponge cake mix and 1.5 packages of cider mix. Add the apple juice, 1/4 cup apple butter, vegetable oil, and eggs; mix with a mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine walnuts and dried apples with the remaining cider mixture; set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, remaining 3-4 cups apple butter, brown sugar, and flour; beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth.
5. Remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle with the cream cheese mixture. Top with the walnut-apple mixture. Return to the oven; bake for another 20–25 minutes. Let the pie cool in the pan on a wire rack. Slice into bars.