Apple Butter Bars

These Apple Butter Bars are the perfect cozy treat for fall. With a buttery oat crust and crumb topping sandwiching a thick layer of spiced apple butter, each bite delivers warm cinnamon flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Whether you serve them as a dessert, snack, or for a holiday gathering, they’re guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving with their nostalgic autumn taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and cozy flavor – Loaded with cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple butter, this dessert tastes like fall in every bite.

• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples like oats, flour, and sugar.

• Easy to make – No mixer needed; just a few bowls and a fork.

• Perfect texture – A soft, gooey apple butter center with a crumbly, golden topping.

• Ideal for gatherings – Cut into bars and serve at potlucks, bake sales, or family dinners.

• Customizable – Use store-bought or homemade apple butter.

• Great for meal prep – Bars keep well and are freezer-friendly.

• Kid-friendly – Sweet, spiced, and perfect for little hands.

• Naturally vegetarian – A great option for all eaters.

• Smells amazing – Your whole kitchen will be filled with the scent of cinnamon and apples.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ cups rolled oats

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (use GF Bisquick or cup4cup for gluten-free)

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1½ cups apple butter

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar mix

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Add melted butter and use a fork to combine the mixture until crumbly.

4. Mix in the egg until fully incorporated. The mixture will be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

5. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

6. Spread the apple butter evenly over the crust layer.

7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apple butter and gently press down.

8. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the top.

9. Bake for 38–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

10. Cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Yield: 16 bars

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch.

• Maple version: Replace some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for added flavor.

• Apple pie spice: Use instead of cinnamon for more complexity.

• Add-ins: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries to the oat crust.

• Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

• Double batch: Bake in a 9×13 pan for larger gatherings.

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and GF flour blend.

• Drizzle glaze: Top cooled bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

• Pumpkin butter swap: Use pumpkin butter instead of apple butter for a fall flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.

• Freezer: Freeze bars for up to 3 months. Wrap individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.

• To serve warm: Microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds before eating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes, homemade apple butter works beautifully and adds even more flavor.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be! Just use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. They store well and taste even better the next day.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

It’s highly recommended for easy removal, but you can grease the pan if you don’t have any.

What type of oats should I use?

Rolled oats give the best texture. Avoid quick oats or steel-cut oats.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake slightly longer, around 45–50 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can slightly reduce both sugars, but it will affect sweetness and texture.

Can I use a different fruit butter?

Pumpkin butter or pear butter are good alternatives if you want to change it up.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Let them cool fully to set.

Can I add a glaze or icing?

Yes! A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze drizzled on top is delicious.

Conclusion

These Apple Butter Bars are everything you want in a fall dessert—warm, sweet, spiced, and satisfying. With their simple prep, rich flavor, and comforting texture, they’re the kind of treat that disappears fast. Bake a batch for your next autumn get-together, cozy night in, or just to fill your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples.