Double the Streusel Apple Butter Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it has double the streusel, which means extra crunch and buttery goodness in every bite. The apple butter adds depth and sweetness, while the fresh apple slices bring texture and freshness. I also love that the bars hold together well, making them easy to slice and serve for a crowd.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old fashion oats
1/2 cup raw pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 sticks (1 cup) cold salted butter, cubed

Filling
1 cup apple butter, homemade or store bought
2 honey crisp apples, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cold salted butter, thinly sliced

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, I pulse together flour, oats, pecans, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until the oats are mostly ground.

3. I add the cold butter and pulse until a crumbly dough forms. If it seems too dry, I add 1 tablespoon of water.

4. I press one-third of the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

5. While the crust bakes, I prepare the filling by tossing the apple slices with maple syrup, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

6. Once the crust is ready, I spread apple butter evenly over it, then layer the apple slices on top.

7. I sprinkle the remaining two-thirds of the streusel dough over the apples and lay thin slices of butter on top.

8. I return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.

9. I let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 bars. It takes 20 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, for a total time of 1 hour.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds, depending on what I have on hand. I also like adding dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for extra sweetness. If I want a richer flavor, I use half brown sugar and half maple sugar in the streusel. For a spiced twist, I add ground ginger or cardamom along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, I let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple butter?

Yes, I often use store-bought apple butter for convenience, and it works perfectly.

What apples work best for this recipe?

I like Honeycrisp for their sweetness and crunch, but Granny Smith or Fuji also work well.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, I leave out the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Can I add oats on top for extra texture?

Yes, I sometimes sprinkle a handful of rolled oats over the top streusel layer.

Do I need a food processor for the crust?

No, I can use a pastry cutter or my hands to work in the butter until crumbly.

Can I use pear instead of apple?

Yes, thinly sliced pears make a great alternative in this recipe.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I can bake it in two 9×13 pans if I need a larger batch.

How do I keep the bars from crumbling when slicing?

I make sure to let them cool completely before cutting, which helps them hold together.

Can I add caramel to the filling?

Yes, a drizzle of caramel over the apples before adding the streusel makes it extra indulgent.

Are these best served warm or cold?

I like them both ways—warm with ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge.

Conclusion

Double the Streusel Apple Butter Bars are one of my favorite treats to bake when I want something sweet, buttery, and packed with fall flavor. I love the contrast of the crunchy topping, soft apples, and rich apple butter. These bars are a perfect balance of texture and taste, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.