Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Apple Butter Bars
AppleMedium

Apple Butter Bars

Recipe by DEALiciousness

From the Blog Author

This Apple Butter Bars are one of my absolute favorites because they turn a simple pantry full of apples into a comforting autumn treat that everyone loves. The moment I first tasted them after baking, I was hooked on how the sweet, spiced apple filling sits perfectly under a buttery, crumbly crust that melts in your mouth with every bite. What I love most is the balance of flavors—the mellow sweetness of slow‑cooked apples, the warm spice of cinnamon and nutmeg, and that buttery, slightly salty finish that makes the bars feel indulgent yet wholesome. The texture is a joy—a soft, luscious center that’s easy to slice, paired with a crisp, flour‑and‑butter topping that gives you a satisfying crunch without being too heavy. A little tip from my kitchen: after mixing the dough, chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This keeps the layers from spreading and gives you that perfect, even crumb you’ll see on the screen. If you try these Apple Butter Bars, I would love to hear how they turn out for you—drop me a line and share your tweaks, photos, or any memories that pop up while making them.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

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

1

Combine dry ingredients and butter until crumbly.

2

Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch pan.

3

Spread the apple butter, vanilla, and lemon juice evenly over the crust.

4

Crumble the remaining mixture over the filling.

5

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

6

Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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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.