Apple Butter Bars are delightful, easy-to-make treats made with rich apple butter, spices, and a buttery crust this recipe serves 14 and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter Bars Recipe:
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple butter and spices creates a rich, comforting taste that’s perfect for fall or any time of year.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Make Ahead: They can be made in advance and stored, making them ideal for busy schedules or gatherings.
- Homemade Goodness: The use of apple butter adds a homemade touch that’s sure to impress.
âť“ What Is Apple Butter Bars Recipe?
Apple Butter Bars are a baked dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a layer of spiced apple butter and a crumbly topping. They are easy to make, offer a rich apple flavor, and are perfect for snacks or desserts.
🍏 Apple Butter Bars Ingredient
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
🍮 How To Make Apple Butter Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the apple butter evenly over the crust, making sure to cover it completely. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apple butter layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the bars are set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
đź’ Recipe Tips:
- Use Homemade Apple Butter: Homemade apple butter can enhance the flavor, but store-bought works fine too. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
- Chill the Butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right crumbly texture for the crust.
- Even Layering: Spread the apple butter layer evenly to avoid uneven baking.
- Texture: For a slightly chewier texture, increase the amount of oats in the crust.
🍺 What To Serve With Apple Butter Bars?
Apple Butter Bars are delicious on their own but can be paired with a dollop of Apple Butter Frosting, a scoop of Apple Butter, or a drizzle of caramel sauce they also go well with a cup of Apple Crisp Juice.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Apple Butter Bars?
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers apple butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep leftovers apple butter bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container they can last up to 2 weeks when chilled.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Apple Butter Bars?
- Microwave: Place leftovers apple butter bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Check for warmth and heat in additional 5-second intervals if needed.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) heat leftovers apple butter bars on a baking sheet for 5- 6 minutes to restore their texture.
FAQ’S
What’s the best way to ensure Apple Butter Bars come out evenly baked?
To ensure even baking, spread the apple butter and topping layers evenly also, preheat your oven properly and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking to maintain consistent temperature.
What can I do if Apple Butter Bars are too crumbly?
If Apple Butter Bars are too crumbly, they may need more moisture you can try adding a bit of milk or extra apple butter to the mixture, or ensure that the butter was softened properly before mixing.
How do I know when Apple Butter Bars are done baking?
The Apple Butter Bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. You can also check with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
What’s the difference between apple butter and applesauce?
Apple butter is more concentrated and spiced compared to applesauce. It has a thicker, richer texture and a deeper flavor due to the long cooking process that caramelizes the sugars.
Can I make Apple Butter Bars ahead of time?
Yes, Apple Butter Bars can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh until you’re ready to serve.
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Apple Butter Bars Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Bar
- Calories: 205
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Apple Butter Bars
Description
Apple Butter Bars are delightful, easy-to-make treats made with rich apple butter, spices, and a buttery crust this recipe serves 14 and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well. - Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the apple butter evenly over the crust, making sure to cover it completely. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apple butter layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the bars are set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use Homemade Apple Butter: Homemade apple butter can enhance the flavor, but store-bought works fine too. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
Chill the Butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right crumbly texture for the crust.
Even Layering: Spread the apple butter layer evenly to avoid uneven baking.
Texture: For a slightly chewier texture, increase the amount of oats in the crust.