Harvest Apple Butter Oat Bars
Indulge in the delightful flavors of autumn with these Harvest Apple Butter Oat Bars. Perfect for showcasing your homemade apple butter, these bars combine a buttery oat crust with a rich, spiced apple butter filling. The earthy crunch of pecans adds depth and texture, making these treats irresistible. Ideal for seasonal gatherings, lunch boxes, or a cozy afternoon snack, these bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a sweet taste of fall any time of year!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
white sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
egg yolks
2 (separated from whites)
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
salt
1/8 teaspoon
rolled oats
1 cup (uncooked)
pecans
1 cup (chopped)
apple butter
2/3 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure incorporation.
4
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined, then fold in the uncooked rolled oats and chopped pecans, creating a thick dough.
5
Press half of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, forming a solid base.
6
Spread the apple butter evenly over the pressed dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges to prevent overflow.
7
Crumble the remaining dough over the apple butter, ensuring the top is evenly coated. Press down gently to lock in the apple butter and create a cohesive layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
9
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares for serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Harvest Apple Butter Oat Bars?
Harvest Apple Butter Oat Bars are autumn-themed treats featuring a buttery oat and pecan crust layered with a rich, spiced apple butter filling.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use an 8x8-inch baking dish for these bars.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of softened butter.
What types of sugar are used in the dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Do I use whole eggs for these oat bars?
No, you only need 2 egg yolks, which should be separated from the whites.
How much flour is needed for the crust?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, preferably sifted.
What kind of oats are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of uncooked rolled oats.
How many pecans are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.
How much apple butter is required for the filling?
You will need 2/3 cup of apple butter.
Can I use store-bought apple butter?
Yes, while these bars are great for showcasing homemade apple butter, store-bought versions work perfectly well.
How do I assemble the layers of the bars?
Press half of the dough into the bottom of the dish, spread the apple butter on top, and then crumble the remaining dough over the filling.
Why should I leave a margin around the edges when spreading the apple butter?
Leaving a 1/2 inch margin around the edges helps prevent the apple butter from overflowing during the baking process.
How long do the Harvest Apple Butter Oat Bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I tell when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
Should the bars be cooled before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.
Can these bars be served warm?
Yes, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Are these bars suitable for lunch boxes?
Absolutely, they are ideal for lunch boxes, snacks, or seasonal gatherings.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
They have a buttery, earthy oat and pecan crust with a rich, soft spiced filling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients: butter, white sugar, brown sugar, egg yolks, flour, salt, oats, pecans, and apple butter.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include dessert, apple butter, oat bars, fall recipes, snack, baking, pecans, and easy dessert.
In what order should I mix the ingredients?
Cream the butter and sugars first, then add egg yolks, and finally mix in the flour, salt, oats, and pecans.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness of the sugars and apple butter.
Can I omit the pecans?
While pecans add depth and texture, you could omit them or substitute them with another nut like walnuts if preferred.
What makes these bars a 'fall' recipe?
The combination of spiced apple butter, pecans, and oats creates a flavor profile typically associated with the autumn harvest season.
How do I ensure the top layer of dough is cohesive?
After crumbling the remaining dough over the apple butter, press down gently to lock the layers together.
How do I achieve a fluffy butter mixture?
Use a large mixing bowl to cream together the softened butter and sugars until the mixture is light and airy.
Is the flour added all at once?
The instructions suggest gradually mixing in the flour and salt until they are combined.
How should I beat the egg yolks into the mixture?
Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.