Apple butter bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich, sweet flavor of apple butter with a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars are perfect for dessert, a sweet snack, or even a special breakfast treat. They are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. In this recipe, we will show you how to make delicious apple butter bars that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Apple Butter Bars
For the crust and topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How to Make Apple Butter Bars
Follow these steps to create these delicious apple butter bars:
1. Preparing the Crust and Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Set aside 1 cup of the mixture for the topping and press the rest into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Making the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the apple butter, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Spread the apple butter mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
3. Adding the Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the apple butter layer.
4. Baking the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
5. Serving the Apple Butter Bars:
- Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve.
- These bars can be served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
About the Main Ingredients
Apple Butter:
Apple butter is a thick, smooth spread made from apples, sugar, and spices. It has a deep, rich flavor and is commonly used as a spread on toast or biscuits. In this recipe, apple butter adds a sweet and fruity layer to the bars, making them moist and flavorful.
Oats:
Oats add texture and flavor to the crust and topping of these bars. They also provide a good source of fiber and nutrients, making these bars a slightly healthier option for dessert.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the crust and topping. It also adds a subtle caramel flavor that pairs well with the apple butter.
Unsalted Butter:
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the crust and topping. It also helps bind the ingredients together to create a crumbly texture.
Flour:
All-purpose flour is used to create the crust and topping for these bars. It provides structure and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda:
Baking powder and baking soda help the bars rise slightly and create a light, fluffy texture in the crust and topping.
Salt:
Salt enhances the flavors in the bars and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity to the apple butter filling, which helps to balance the sweetness and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
Cornstarch:
Cornstarch is used to thicken the apple butter filling, helping it to set properly and hold its shape when cut into bars.
Enjoy these delicious apple butter bars as a sweet treat or dessert. They are perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving a taste of something sweet and fruity.
