Delicious Homemade Butterscotch Apple Crumb Bars: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe
Rich, gooey butterscotch apple crumb bars made with crisp fall apples are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Life has taken an exciting turn for me recently – I’m officially self-employed full-time! This significant shift has brought a wave of new experiences, challenges, and, of course, plenty of baking opportunities right from my own kitchen. While the transition has been exhilarating, it’s also been a source of amusing banter with my husband, affectionately known as Squirrel.
Naturally, Squirrel is absolutely thrilled that I’m home all day. “Hey, now that you don’t have to work…” he started one morning, a mischievous glint in his eye.
I quickly cut him off, feigning indignation. “Um, excuse me, I work! Sure, I work from home, but I still work. Geez, you make me sound like a bon-bon-eating, soap-opera-watching freeloader!”
He chuckled, trying to clarify, “I only meant that you don’t have to go out to work.”
“Right,” I retorted, shaking my head with a smile. “And I still ‘go to work.’ I get out of bed and walk downstairs – that’s definitely going to work in my book!”
“I don’t think staying in your pajamas all day constitutes as ‘going to work,’” he teased, pushing his luck.
Do you see what I’m dealing with? Palm to face, you guys. It’s an ongoing debate, but one filled with affection. What he really meant to say, and what I appreciate most, is that he loves the perks of my new work-from-home lifestyle. He now comes home to gourmet pan-fried fish lunches, and hot, delicious meals for dinner at a reasonable hour, not at 9 o’clock at night after a long commute. The man can cook, bless his heart, but his culinary repertoire is fairly minimal, and let’s be honest, my food always tastes better (don’t tell him I said that).
And of course, I genuinely love working from home. Squirrel did make a valid point – I get to work in my pajamas. Not gonna lie, it’s truly the best. Beyond the comfy attire, I also relish not having to sit in the notorious Baltimore-Washington area traffic. If you’re from this region, you undoubtedly know what I’m talking about. That kind of gridlock had me wanting to run other cars over, figuratively speaking, of course. The mental peace of avoiding that daily commute is priceless.
Overall, this self-employment journey is a fantastic deal. Sure, I’m nervous about the unknowns that come with entrepreneurship, but you won’t know if something is a good fit until you give it a genuine shot. So, here I am, giving it my all, embracing the challenges and celebrating the small victories.
What do you, my wonderful readers, get out of this deal? Even more cookies, creative cocktails, fresh salads, and, most importantly, more pie-like creations! Honestly, this kitchen desperately needs more pie, or at least pie-inspired desserts that bring comfort and joy.
Introducing the Irresistible Butterscotch Apple Crumb Bars
While this delightful recipe isn’t exactly what you would call a traditional pie, these Butterscotch Apple Crumb Bars are undeniably pie-like in all the best ways. They capture the essence of a warm apple pie, but in a convenient, portable bar form that’s perfect for sharing, or simply indulging yourself. These bars are a true celebration of fall flavors, combining the crisp sweetness of seasonal apples with the rich, buttery notes of butterscotch.
The Gooey, Flavorful Filling
The star of these homemade crumb bars is undoubtedly their rich, gooey center. It’s a harmonious blend of fresh, crisp apples and creamy butterscotch chips. After just 35-40 minutes in the oven, a magical transformation occurs: the firm apples soften beautifully, releasing their natural sugars and becoming wonderfully tender and sweet. Simultaneously, the butterscotch chips melt into a luscious, golden, gooey perfection, intertwining with the cooked apples to create an irresistible filling that’s truly decadent. For the best results, choose a firm apple variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith (if you prefer a tarter balance), which hold their shape well and provide a pleasant texture when baked.
The Perfect Crumbly Crust and Topping
The soft, fruit-filled center is beautifully complemented by the crunchy pecan-oat crumb. This isn’t just any crust; it’s a robust, flavorful foundation that sets these bars apart. The base layer, which also forms the crumbly topping, resembles a classic shortbread but with an added depth of flavor and texture. I crafted it using a delightful mixture of old-fashioned oats, which provide a wonderful chewiness; coarse pecan flour, lending a nutty richness that elevates the taste profile; brown sugar for a hint of molasses sweetness; a touch of ground cinnamon for warmth; melted butter for that essential rich, golden hue and tender crumb; and a splash of vanilla extract to round out the flavors. The crust bakes up to a gorgeous golden brown, delivering a perfectly crisp, buttery, and incredibly satisfying crunch with every bite.
Why These Crumb Bars Are Better Than Pie
I truly feel like these Butterscotch Apple Crumb Bars surpass traditional pie in many aspects. They offer the comforting flavors of apple pie but with added convenience and versatility. Think of them as portable pie squares that can be easily devoured on the go, making them perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or a quick sweet escape. No plates or forks required for these beauties! Their ease of preparation also makes them a fantastic alternative when you’re craving pie but are short on time or simply want a less fussy dessert.
Elevate Your Dessert Experience
If you want to make these bars extra special and turn them into an unforgettable dessert experience, here’s a pro tip: warm a generous hunk in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until it’s perfectly soft and gooey. Then, top it with a generous scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream. For the ultimate indulgence, add a decadent drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top. Oh. Mah. Goodness. The warm, soft bar with the cold, melting ice cream and sweet caramel creates a symphony of textures and temperatures that is simply heavenly. You could also sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for an added flourish.
Butterscotch Apple Crumb Bars
Thick, buttery oat squares stuffed with fresh apples and butterscotch chips. These pie-like bars are easy to make and portable on-the-go snacks, perfect for fall baking.
Yield: 1 (8-by-8-inch) square pan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup pecan flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8-inch-by-8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes lifting the bars out much simpler.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, old-fashioned oats, pecan flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Use a whisk or a spoon to stir these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Pour in the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter and the vanilla extract. Stir the mixture with a fork or your hands until it resembles coarse, moist crumbs. It should hold together when squeezed.
- Press exactly half of this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact base.
- Evenly top the pressed crust with the chopped apples, spreading them out in a single layer. Then, sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the apples.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the apples and butterscotch chips, creating the delightful crumb topping. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumb topping is beautifully golden brown and the apples underneath are tender when poked with a thin skewer. The butterscotch will be visibly melted and gooey.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to remove them. This is crucial for clean cuts; warm bars will be too soft and fall apart. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Cut into squares.
- Store the cooled Butterscotch Apple Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.