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.

Brown Butter Apple Pie Bars - Mastered Recipes

Name: Brown Butter Apple Pie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ; 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

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