14. Apple Butter Bars
These Apple Butter Bars are a celebration of autumnal flavor, perfectly balancing the deep, concentrated sweetness of apple butter with a wonderfully textured crust and topping. Imagine a buttery, tender shortbread base layered with a spiced apple filling, all crowned with a delightful, crumbly streusel that melts in your mouth. This layered creation captures the essence of a classic apple pie but in an infinitely more portable and addictive square format. Because they store beautifully, these bars are an excellent make-ahead option for holiday gatherings or cozy fall evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 splash lemon juice
Directions
Combine dry ingredients and butter until crumbly.
Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch pan.
Spread the apple butter, vanilla, and lemon juice evenly over the crust.
Crumble the remaining mixture over the filling.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store leftover Apple Butter Bars to keep them fresh?
Store your cooled Apple Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, though allowing them to come slightly to room temperature before serving often restores the best texture.
Can I substitute the apple butter in this recipe?
While apple butter is key to the flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of thick, reduced apple sauce mixed with an extra pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. However, the texture will be slightly different than the intended rich filling.
What is the best way to ensure the crumb topping on these bars doesn't burn during the 40-minute bake time?
To prevent the top layer from becoming too dark before the center is set, check the bars around the 30-minute mark. If the edges are browning quickly, loosely tent the 9x9 inch pan with aluminum foil for the remaining 10 minutes of baking.
