Brown Butter Apple Crumble Bars: Irresistible Delight

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Brown Butter Apple Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with warm, caramelized apples, creating a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. The aroma of baked apples mingling with the scent of browned butter is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. These bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into making these irresistible bars!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Apple Crumble

There are countless reasons to love this brown butter apple crumble. First and foremost, the combination of buttery, flaky crust and sweet apple filling is simply unbeatable. You’ll enjoy the warm, gooey center paired with a crunchy topping that provides the perfect contrast in texture. This dessert is also versatile; it can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature. Plus, with ingredients like Granny Smith apples and pecans, it offers a delightful balance of tartness and nuttiness. This is the best brown butter apple dessert for fall gatherings or just a sweet treat to brighten your day! Apple pie lovers will appreciate this twist!

Ingredients for Brown Butter Apple Crumble

Gather these items:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (brown)
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 0.75 cups pecans (finely chopped)
• 0.75 cups light brown sugar
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 5 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
• 0.33 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp turbinado sugar
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
• a pinch fine salt

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Crumble Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring to leave an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, brown 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns a rich, nutty color. Cool for 5-10 minutes, then measure out 3/4 cup for the crumb while reserving 1/4 cup for drizzling.
3. Step 3: Make the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir in 3/4 cup of the browned butter until the mixture resembles sandy crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture and press the rest into the bottom of the lined pan. Par-bake for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling: Toss together 5 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Bars: Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly over the warm crust in the pan. Mix the reserved crumb with 2 tbsp turbinado sugar and sprinkle it generously over the apples. Drizzle the reserved 1/4 cup of browned butter on top.
6. Step 6: Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden. Cool in the pan for 1 hour before whisking together the glaze ingredients and drizzling over bars.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Apple Crumble

Keep these in mind:

• Make sure to cool the browned butter slightly before mixing it in to prevent cooking the eggs or making the crust too greasy.
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice; it helps balance the sweetness of the apples.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Ensure you have enough apples to fill the pan adequately for optimal flavor and texture.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Apple Crumble

For the ultimate experience, serve the brown butter apple crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for that added sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped pecans can enhance the nutty flavor from the browned butter. This is a classic apple crumble with brown butter that’s sure to impress your guests!

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Apple Crumble

To store your brown butter apple crumble, simply keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This makes it easy to prepare ahead, making this an easy brown butter apple crumble for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Apple Crumble

What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Apple Crumble?

The secret lies in the browning of the butter, which gives the crumble its rich, nutty flavor. Make sure not to burn the butter, as a perfect brown color enhances the flavor without bitterness.

Can I make Brown Butter Apple Crumble ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crust separately and assemble them before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep and ensures fresh, warm dessert ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Apple Crumble?

To avoid soggy crust, make sure to par-bake it before adding the apple filling. Additionally, use apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Variations of Brown Butter Apple Crumble You Can Try

There are many delicious variations you can try with this recipe. For a vegan brown butter apple crumble, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. You can also create a gluten-free version using certified gluten-free oats and flour. For those looking for a twist, consider adding oats to the topping for a brown butter apple crumble with oatmeal topping or incorporating spices like ginger for an extra kick. Caramel apple crumble is another delightful option!

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