Brown butter apple pie bars are the cozy, crumble-topped treat your fall menu has been waiting for. Rich with nutty butter, tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a buttery oat crust that’s easy to slice and serve, these bars deliver all the flavors of traditional apple pie—minus the stress of rolling dough.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
That first batch feeling
I still remember the first time I made these bars. It was late October, the trees outside were golden, and the house smelled like toasted butter and cinnamon. I stirred brown butter with diced apples and watched the topping crisp in the oven. My guests went quiet after the first bite—only nodding and reaching for seconds. That’s how I knew I’d be baking these bars again and again.
Why brown butter makes a difference
The depth of flavor in these bars comes from browned butter. It brings a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the apples and spice. It’s what makes this recipe stand out from typical apple desserts. Every bite has warm, toasty notes without needing any extra flair.
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Brown Butter Apple Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These brown butter apple pie bars feature rich, nutty brown butter, a tender cinnamon apple filling, and a crisp crumble topping. They slice beautifully and bring cozy fall flavors to every bite—perfect for potlucks or dessert nights.
Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir until foamy and golden brown with a nutty aroma. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour in 2/3 of the brown butter and stir to form coarse crumbs.
5. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of prepared pan to form crust.
6. In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
7. Spread apple filling evenly over crust.
8. Sprinkle remaining crumble on top and press lightly.
9. Drizzle remaining brown butter over the top layer.
10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbling at the edges.
11. Cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean cuts.
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best.
Bars stay fresh in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Let cool fully before cutting for best shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Fall Baking, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brown butter apple pie bars, fall apple desserts, easy apple bar recipe, cozy fall desserts
The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor
Simple, honest ingredients
All you need is butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples. There’s no fancy equipment or chilling dough—just mix, press, and bake. The ingredients come together in three layers: a firm base, a gooey filling, and a golden crumb topping.
The role of each layer
The base holds everything together with a buttery bite. The apple layer softens as it bakes, becoming tender but not soggy. The crumb topping browns into a crisp shell that crackles slightly with every bite. It’s like having apple crisp and apple pie in one neat bar.
And if you’re already dreaming about more fall bakes, check out this perfect apple crisp recipe that melts in your mouth—another go-to for apple season.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Start with the brown butter
Place unsalted butter in a saucepan and let it melt over medium heat. Stir until it foams, darkens slightly, and smells nutty. Once golden brown, remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl to cool.
Make the crust and topping
In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in two-thirds of the cooled brown butter and stir until crumbly. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish to form the crust.
Prepare the apple filling
Peel and dice fresh apples—use a mix like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for balance. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice. Let them sit for a few minutes while you finish the base.
Assemble and bake
Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping on top, pressing lightly. Drizzle with the leftover brown butter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40–45 minutes. The edges will be golden and the center should bubble gently.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
How to serve
Cool bars completely before slicing into squares. Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy chilled from the fridge. They’re easy to transport and perfect for potlucks, fall parties, or cozy nights in.
These bars also pair beautifully with other fall classics like this spiced apple crisp—an ideal combo for dessert tables.
Storage tips
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. They also freeze well—just wrap slices individually in plastic and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat for that just-baked warmth.
Tips for Success
Choose the right apples
Use a firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and offer the best flavor balance against the sweet topping.
Don’t skip the parchment
Lining your pan ensures easy removal and clean slices. You’ll thank yourself when lifting the whole tray out in one piece.
And if you’re still in the mood for apples, don’t miss this easy apple crisp recipe that’s ideal for beginners.
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. The texture remains buttery and crisp with no compromise in flavor.
Can I use other fruits?
You can substitute pears, peaches, or berries—just adjust the sugar based on sweetness and keep cornstarch for thickening.
Can I make them ahead?
Definitely. Make them a day ahead and store covered in the fridge. The flavor actually deepens overnight, and the topping stays crisp.
Conclusion
These brown butter apple pie bars are the kind of treat you bake once and crave forever. They’re simple enough for weeknight baking, yet special enough to serve for gatherings. With the richness of brown butter, the warmth of spiced apples, and the ease of a bar, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. It’s your fall dessert go-to, all wrapped up in golden, gooey squares.
Finish your fall dessert lineup with this buttery apple crisp that delivers melt-in-your-mouth goodness every single time.