Description
Warm, spiced, and buttery, these Apple Butter Bars combine a tender crust with a luscious apple filling and crumbly topping—perfect for cozy moments year-round.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups – Creates the base and crumb topping structure.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed) – Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses richness.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup – Lightens the flavor and balances the brown sugar.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon – Helps with lightness and prevents the crust from becoming too dense.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the sweet, warm flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Infuses the bars with a cozy, spiced aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (cold, diced) – Gives richness and that irresistible crumb texture.
- Apple Butter: 1 1/2 cups – The star filling, thick, sweet, and full of fall flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds depth and warmth to the apple butter layer.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the pan to form the crust.
- Assemble the Dish: Mix apple butter with vanilla and spread evenly over crust. Top with remaining crumbs.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Finishing Touches: Cool completely in the pan before lifting out.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for clean removal and easier slicing.
- Chill bars before slicing for neat edges.
- Store in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple butter bars, fall dessert, apple dessert, easy apple bars, spiced bars, cozy treats, make-ahead dessert