Apple Crisp-Browned Butter Bars

3.8
(6)

Try these delicious apple bars made with browned butter. The same dough is used for the crust and for the crumble topping.

bar cookies on a platter with apples and crumble topping
3
3
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Freeze Time:
30 mins
Bake Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
16 bars
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Ingredients

Dough:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter

  • 1 ½ cups flour

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • cup packed brown sugar

  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 6 cups chopped apples

  • tablespoon packed brown sugar, divided

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 pinch salt

Directions

  1. Cook 3/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until melted and light brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it can burn. Pour into a bowl. Freeze until solid, about 30 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, for the filling melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg, and pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 3 tablespoons brown sugar; toss to coat.

  3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with enough parchment paper to create an overhang on all sides.

  4. Stir together flour, oats, 2/3 cup brown sugar, baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Coarsely shred frozen browned butter or chop into small pieces. Cut butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolk and vanilla; stir with a fork just until a crumbly dough comes together. Press about two-thirds of the dough (2 2/3 cups) in an even layer in the prepared baking pan.

  5. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

  6. Spread apple mixture over the crust. Crumble remaining dough over top. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Using parchment sides to lift bars, transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares.

Cook's Note:

You will need about 2 lbs of apples (4 to 5 large apples).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

215 Calories
11g Fat
28g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 215
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 40mg 13%
Sodium 68mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Protein 2g 5%
Potassium 99mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.