Tender bars combining apple butter, maple syrup, and sea salt atop a buttery crust for an autumn treat.
# Components:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Filling
05 - 1 cup apple butter
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Topping
12 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
03 - Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
04 - While the crust bakes, whisk together apple butter, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and combined.
05 - Pour the filling over the warm crust and smooth the top. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
06 - Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before cutting into bars.
07 - Cut into bars and serve as desired.
