Spiced Apple Butter Bars With Apple Butter-Cream Cheese Frosting

The scent of apples and cinnamon always takes me back to autumn days spent at my grandmother’s farm. Every year, she’d make a huge batch of apple butter, the aroma filling her cozy kitchen. One particular fall, she used that homemade apple butter in a new recipe – these very bars. I remember sneaking a bite of the warm, frosted bars, and the combination of the spice cake, the tangy apple butter, and the creamy frosting was pure bliss. It’s a taste of autumn I look forward to recreating every year.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yields: 24 large bars
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 (18 1/4 ounce) package spice cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup apple butter, divided
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

• 13 x 9 inch baking pan
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Electric mixer
• Wire rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven. This ensures even baking.

2. Prepare your baking pan by spraying only the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking while still allowing the edges to develop a nice texture.

3. In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, egg, vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup of the apple butter. Use an electric mixer set on low speed to blend the ingredients for 1-2 minutes, or until well combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

4. Spread the cake mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Ensure the mixture is distributed evenly to prevent some bars from being thinner than others.

5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the batter. Lightly press the walnuts into the batter to ensure they adhere during baking.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned and firm to the touch. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Be mindful that oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the bars after 30 minutes.

7. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt and become runny.

8. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup apple butter, and cinnamon with an electric mixer set on medium speed until smooth and well combined. It is important to use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth frosting.

9. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Start with a low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from puffing up.

10. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the apple butter-cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

11. Cut the frosted bars into 24 equal-sized bars, or adjust the size to your preference.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra nutty flavor, toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the bars. This will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
• If you don’t have spice cake mix, you can use yellow cake mix and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to mimic the spice flavor.
• To prevent the bars from sticking to the pan completely, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper before spraying with cooking spray. Leave an overhang of parchment paper on two sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
• If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these spiced apple butter bars chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect as a dessert or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

To store leftovers, place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	270.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	40%
Total Fat	11.9 g	18%
Saturated Fat	3.5 g	17%
Cholesterol	19.2 mg	6%
Sodium	174.6 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	39.5 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	31.5 g	N/A
Protein	2.7 g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free spice cake mix to make these bars gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or substitute them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
• Spice Variation: Adjust the spices in the cake mix to your preference. Add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a spicier flavor. A pinch of ground ginger can also be a nice addition.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use homemade apple butter for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Homemade apple butter will add an even richer and more authentic flavor to these bars.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the bars and frost them a day ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have a 13×9 inch baking pan?
A: You can use a slightly smaller or larger pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Q: My frosting is too runny. How can I fix it?
A: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Apple Butter Bars with Apple Butter-Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert to share with family and friends or a sweet snack to enjoy on a crisp fall day, these bars are sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these delicious bars. And if you tweak the recipe, I’d love to hear about your own personal touch in the comments! They’re wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of spiced cider. Happy baking!