Apple Butter Squares

With this being a weekend of Fall decorating, football and Yankee Candles a-glow, it felt like the ideal time to get back in the kitchen and bake something yummy. I've really been craving flavors of the season, namely pumpkin and apple, so I decided to go with the latter and make a twist on an old favorite:

My grandmother's Apricot Squares are famous in our house, so it seemed only fitting to take that same winning recipe and tweak it for a slightly different flavor combination. The middle oozes with sweet and spicy apple butter, and the cookie crust on top is crunchier and nuttier thanks to the addition of brown sugar, glazed walnuts and oats. Add a pinch of cinnamon and these delicious bars have Fall written all over them!

Want to give them a try? Here's the recipe!

Apple Butter Squares

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 (12 oz) jar apple butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine butter, sugar, egg and vanilla; mix with electric beater until well creamed.
3. In a separate bowl, combine, flour through oats. Slowly add to wet ingredients and stir on low speed, until just combined.
4. Spread half the dough into bottom of well-greased 8x8 baking dish; cover with apple butter and spread evenly. Using your fingers, drop the remaining dough in small pieces until the top of the bars are well covered (but not perfect).
5. Bake 30-35 minutes or until the top is light golden brown. Cool to room temperature, eat and enjoy!