How to Make Apple Crisp-Browned Butter Bars - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and warm spices filling the kitchen on a crisp fall day. And when it comes to enjoying the flavors of the season, few recipes are as satisfying as a good old-fashioned apple crisp. But what if you could take that classic dessert to the next level? That's where these Apple Crisp-Browned Butter Bars come in.

These indulgent bars combine all the comforting flavors of apple crisp with the rich, nutty taste of browned butter. The re...

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Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 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

Information

  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
  • 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.
  • Nutrition

    215 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 40mg
    • Sodium: 68mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Potassium: 99mg