Apple butter bars are a delicious and autumn-inspired dessert that feature the rich and spiced flavor of apple butter. They are a great treat to enjoy during the fall season or any time you’re craving a sweet and comforting dessert. Here’s a basic recipe to make apple butter bars:
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups apple butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping, and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly to create a crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the apple butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Spread the apple butter mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the apple butter layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbly.
- Remove the apple butter bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for a few hours or overnight to allow them to set and make cutting easier.
- Cut into squares or bars and serve.
These apple butter bars are wonderfully sweet and spiced, making them a perfect treat for the fall season or anytime you have a craving for apple-flavored desserts. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.