(Serves 12)
Now that the temperatures are finally cooling off and leaves are slowly beginning to change, I’m excited to get baking! It’s time for warm spices, apple cider, and all things cozy. On my last trip to NY, I may have gone overboard with the apple butter… acquiring several jars. If you ever find yourself in the Hudson Valley, I recommend going to as many orchards, farm markets and cideries as possible. One of my favorites is Pennings Farm in Warwick, NY.
Back to the apple butter… When I unpacked my eight jars, I had to get creative with ways to use them. That’s how this recipe was born. With cinnamon, nutmeg, apple butter and a splash of cider, these bars are the ultimate autumn dessert. They are topped with a cream cheese frosting that is out of this world. Bake up this fall treat and share with your family and friends!
You Will Need:
For the Bars:
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple butter
- For the Bars:
For the Frosting:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
To make the bars:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9”x13” pan with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Place the butter, brown sugar, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat, using the paddle attachment, until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then add sour cream, apple cider, apple butter, and vanilla and mix until combined. Stop once to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the flour in 2 or 3 batches and mix until it is incorporated.
- Spread and press mixture into the prepared pan as evenly as possible.
- Bake for about 16-20 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
To make the frosting:
- Place the cream cheese, butter, and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer, beat on medium speed until combined.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat on low until it is incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat on high until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla, apple butter, cinnamon and nutmeg and quickly beat again until uniform.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares for serving.
