Brown Butter Apple Pie Bars
Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a dessert that screams cozy autumn vibes but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.
These Brown Butter Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of buttery, spiced, and sweet—think gooey apple pie filling sandwiched between a crisp shortbread crust and a crumbly topping.
Oh, and did I mention the brown butter? It’s the secret weapon that takes these bars from “yum” to “OMG, I need the whole pan.”
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
1. Brown the Butter
Start by browning the butter for that rich, nutty flavor. Melt it in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells heavenly. Let it cool slightly before using.
2. Make the Crust and Topping
Combine the dry ingredients for the crust and topping, then mix in the cooled brown butter until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of the mixture into a lined baking dish to form the crust, and set the rest aside for the topping.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
Toss thinly sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, spiced filling. Spread the apples evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
4. Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this is the hardest part, I know!
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip browning the butter—it adds a depth of flavor that makes these bars unforgettable.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slices.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid a gooey mess (though, let’s be honest, a gooey mess is still delicious).
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Brown Butter Apple Pie Bars
Description
These Brown Butter Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly brown butter topping. Perfect for dessert, potlucks, or even breakfast (no judgment here!).
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
For the Filling:
Instructions
-
Brown the Butter:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until golden brown and nutty-smelling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Crust and Topping:
In a bowl, mix flour, sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cooled brown butter and mix until crumbly. Press 2/3 of the mixture into a lined 9x9-inch baking dish.
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Make the Filling:
Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Spread evenly over the crust.
-
Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples.
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Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
-
Cool and Serve:
Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For a nuttier flavor, add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Don’t overmix the crust and topping—it should be crumbly, not doughy.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
