Dutch Apple Pie Bars

I challenged the Foodie Box Love team to get creative with one featured ingredient: the Amish Apple Butter from Miller’s Orchard, included in our Baker’s Pantry Box. Each of us set out to showcase, this one ingredient in a different way—and this recipe was my take on the challenge. (Check out the challenge and what Mark and Danny have got cooking!)

What’s better than a buttery, crumbly streusel topping on a classic pie or coffee cake? Pairing it with the rich, spiced depth of apple butter. Rather than spending hours cooking apples down from scratch, Miller’s Orchard Amish Apple Butter delivers that same cozy, nostalgic flavor—bringing a Dutch apple pie twist to these Apple Butter Crumble Bars.

With a buttery shortbread crust, layers of cinnamon apple slices, a generous spread of apple butter, and a golden streusel finish, these bars capture everything I love about fall baking. Perfect for a holiday spread or a simple evening treat with a cup of tea, they’re as comforting as they are delicious.

What you'll need:

For the shortbread crust:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the apple filling:

• 1/2 cup Miller's Orchard Amish Apple Butter
• 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

For the streusel:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/3 cup rolled oats (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

Let's make them!

1. Preheat oven to 300°F while you prepare the shortbread crust.
2. Make the crust. In a stand mixer, combine butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until creamy, about 3–4 minutes. Add flour and salt, mixing on low until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press dough evenly into a lined 8x8 pan. Use clean hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it into one smooth layer.
4. Par-bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 350°F.
5. Make the filling. In a large bowl, combine apple slices with apple butter, lemon juice, and spices until evenly coated. If the apple butter feels too thick, microwave it for 10–15 seconds before adding.
6. Make the streusel. In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and stir (or use your hands) until large crumbs form. For crunchier topping, leave larger pieces; for a finer texture, break them up with a fork.
7. Assemble and bake. Spread the apple filling over the par-baked crust, then sprinkle evenly with streusel topping. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.
8. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Foodie Box Love Notes & Tips

• Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze (mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, and a splash of vanilla extract).
• Warm bars in the microwave for 30–45 seconds and serve with vanilla ice cream for that full Dutch apple pie experience.

- Kaity, Creative Social Media Intern, Foodie Box Love