Apple Butter Bars

apple butter bars

Applesauce keeps the thick, fudgy base of these bars moist and chewy, and a generous amount of butter rounds out the tartness of the Granny Smith Applesauce. On top, crispy old-fashioned oats and slivered almonds deliver a satisfying crunch.

 
 
5.0 from 2 reviews
Apple Butter Bars
 
Makes 9 servings
Ingredients
  • 1⁄2 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1⁄2 cup (48 grams) almond flour, toasted
  • 1⁄2 cup (40 grams) old-fashioned oats, toasted
  • 6 tablespoons (84 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1⁄4 cup (55 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1⁄4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground allspice
  • 3⁄4 cup (180 grams) Granny Smith Applesauce (recipe follows)
  • Almond Crumble Topping (recipe follows)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with baking spray with flour; line pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together flours, oats, melted butter, sugars, salt, and allspice until crumbly. Press mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Spread Granny Smith Applesauce on top. Sprinkle with Almond Crumble Topping.
  3. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

 
5.0 from 2 reviews
Almond Crumble Topping
 
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients
  • 3⁄4 cup (85 grams) slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1⁄2 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1⁄2 cup (48 grams) almond flour, toasted
  • 1⁄2 cup (40 grams) old-fashioned oats, toasted
  • 1⁄2 cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1⁄4 cup (55 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1⁄4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
Instructions
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat all ingredients at medium speed just until combined, 3 to 4 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

5.0 from 2 reviews
Granny Smith Applesauce
 
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) Granny Smith apples, unpeeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 cup (240 grams) apple brandy
  • 1⁄2 cup (110 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (12 grams) fruit pectin*
  • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) vanilla bean paste
  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground allspice
  • 6 to 7 cinnamon sticks (20 grams)
Instructions
  1. In a large stockpot, bring all ingredients to a simmer over medium- low heat. Simmer until apples are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. Using a handheld blender, blend until smooth**. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding apple skin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
*We used Sure Jell Premium Fruit Pectin.
**You can also blend in the container of a blender or work bowl of a food processor.

 

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3 COMMENTS

  1. I made these but with a few changes. I love them!
    The second time, I cut down on the salt. Way too much for me, the first time.
    I like them frozen and then warm each one up as they are gradually eaten.
    I also used unsweetened applesauce from the store and stevia instead of sugar.

  2. Made these delicious apple butter bars following the recipe exactly (including the homemade granny smith applesauce) and this was such a treat for friends and family. Personally, I think the toasted almonds and almond flour were key along with the tart plus sweet taste of the applesauce layer. On its own, the applesauce reminded me of a sour tart or a green apple Jolly Rancher (too sweet to eat straight) but as a layer between the shortbread-like foundation and the streusel top, it was divine.

  3. Just a clarification needed. For the apple butter bars recipe, 3/4 cup is listed but no ingredient specified. It may be 3/4 cup applesauce but the way the recipe is spaced/written, it is unclear to what the 3/4 cup is referring. Am making now but using Northern spy apples becauss that’s what I have available.

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