Apple Butter Bars

Recipe View Preheat and Prep (10 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Recipe View Cream and Combine (15 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and light. Add half of the flour (0.75 cups), brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, apple butter, baking soda, and apple pie spice. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Gradually beat in the remaining flour until just incorporated. Stir in the raisins.

Recipe View Bake (20-25 minutes): Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake.

Recipe View Cool (30 minutes): Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a neat presentation.

Recipe View Prepare the Icing (5 minutes): While the bars are cooling, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a medium bowl. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.

Recipe View Ice and Serve (5 minutes): Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the icing evenly over the top. Let the icing set for a few minutes before cutting the bars into 36 squares. Enjoy!