Best Apple Butterscotch Bars Recipes

Apple butterscotch bars are a delicious treat that combines the sweet taste of apples with the rich, buttery flavor of butterscotch. These bars are perfect for a mid-day snack, a sweet dessert, or even as a breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

To make the apple butterscotch bars, follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Sift dry ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Beat butter and sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy, about 3-5 minutes on medium speed.

4. Add eggs and vanilla:

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

5. Mix in applesauce:

Mix in the applesauce until well combined, then gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Fold in butterscotch chips:

Gently fold in the butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.

7. Bake and cool:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the dish for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Variations and Adjustments

These apple butterscotch bars can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

Add nuts:

Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor.

Switch up the chips:

Try using chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or cinnamon chips instead of butterscotch chips.

Top with frosting:

Once the bars have cooled, top with a cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make it gluten-free:

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the bars.

Conclusion

Apple butterscotch bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or as a dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Customize them to your liking with different mix-ins or toppings, and enjoy the sweet taste of apples and butterscotch in every bite.

Making apple butterscotch bars can be a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, spiced apples mixed with the rich taste of butterscotch is sure to please any palate. However, there are some valuable tips that can help make the process of making these bars even easier and more successful.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Apples

The type of apples you use in your recipe can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your bars. For apple butterscotch bars, it is important to choose apples that are both sweet and tart. This combination will help balance out the sweetness of the butterscotch without overpowering the flavor. Some great apple varieties to consider include Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith.

Tip #2: Prepare Your Pan

To ensure that your apple butterscotch bars come out perfectly, it is important to properly prepare your baking pan. Be sure to grease your pan with butter or cooking spray before adding your dough. Additionally, lining your pan with parchment paper can make it easier to remove your bars from the pan once they are done cooking.

Tip #3: Use High-Quality Butterscotch Chips

The key ingredient in apple butterscotch bars is, of course, the butterscotch chips. To make sure that your bars come out tasting delicious, it is important to use high-quality butterscotch chips. Look for chips that are made with real butter and have a high percentage of cocoa butter, which will give your bars a creamy and rich flavor.

Tip #4: Avoid Overmixing Your Dough

When mixing the dough for your apple butterscotch bars, it is important to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can cause your bars to become tough and chewy. Instead, mix your dough just until it is combined, then stop. This will help ensure that your bars come out soft and chewy, with the perfect texture.

Tip #5: Don't Skimp on Spices

To give your apple butterscotch bars the perfect flavor, it is important to use a blend of spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are all great choices that will add warmth and depth to your bars. Don't be afraid to use plenty of spices – the more spices you use, the better your bars will taste.

Tip #6: Let Your Bars Cool Completely Before Cutting

While it may be tempting to cut into your apple butterscotch bars as soon as they come out of the oven, it is important to let them cool completely first. This will help the bars set and become easier to cut without falling apart. Once your bars are completely cool, you can cut them into the desired size and shape.

Tip #7: Store Your Bars Properly

To keep your apple butterscotch bars fresh and delicious, it is important to store them properly. Be sure to keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to extend the shelf life of your bars, you can also keep them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

With these valuable tips in mind, you can make delicious and perfectly baked apple butterscotch bars every time. By choosing the right ingredients, preparing your pan properly, and using plenty of spices, you can create a dessert that your friends and family are sure to love. So why not try making apple butterscotch bars for your next gathering or celebration? With these tips, you're sure to impress!