Surprisingly healthy yet decadence thick, creamy, and tangy Yogurt Bars are generously swirled with luscious Homemade Apple Butter and baked on a gluten-free Oat Pecan Shortbread Crust, making a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Featuring a crisp, buttery, and nutty gluten-free oat pecan shortbread-style crust, a smooth and silky protein-rich creamy filling, and a touch of cozy-spiced apple butter, there’s so much to love about these healthy-ish cheesecake-like bars.
While they do look rather fancy, this recipe couldn’t be simpler to make. I love making a new version almost every season, like a key lime and mango combo in the summer or lemon and strawberry puree in late spring. Both the crust and the filling come together effortlessly in a single bowl, making these bars a quick and easy treat to prepare.
For optimal freshness, store the bars in the fridge and enjoy them within 2-3 days. The crust may soften over time, but the bars remain delicious. These bars also freeze well for up to 2-3 months, provided you store them pre-cut and individually wrapped. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost them in the fridge for a few hours.
Apple Butter Swirled Yogurt Bars Ingredients
For the Apple Butter:
- Apples – Any variety works; keep the skins on for added flavor and nutrition, or peel for a different texture
- Apple Cider – Intensifies apple flavor and creates a simmering liquid for flavors to meld
- Honey – A sweet floral liquid that pairs well; maple syrup is a delightful alternative
- Brown Sugar – Optional, but adds a hint of molasses for extra coziness in the flavors
- Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom create a harmonious blend; customize to your liking
- Salt – Brings all flavors to life
For the Oatmeal Cookie Crust:
- Oat Flour – Easily made at home for a cost-effective option
- Pecans – Add a delightful sweet, nutty crunch, pairing wonderfully with apple spice nutty flavors
- Dark Brown Sugar – Deepens cozy flavors with a hint of molasses
- Softened Butter (or melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option, use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor)
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors
For the Yogurt Filling:
- Eggs – Provide structure and a firm texture
- Mascarpone – Enhances thickness without overpowering tang
- Whole Milk Greek Yogurt – Choose plain for the creamiest bars
- Sugar (or real 100% maple syrup for a distinct flavor)
- Vanilla – Elevates the dessert’s rich flavors
Apple Butter Swirled Yogurt Bars
Ingredients
Apple Butter
- 4 lb apples, cubed
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4–1/2 cup brown sugar (depending on how sweet you want the apple butter)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 2 teaspoons salt
Oatmeal Shortbread Crust
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –3/4 cups oat flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Yogurt Filling
- 250g mascarpone
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (ideally 5%)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Apple Butter
- In a large pot, combine cubed apples, apple cider, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the apples are incredibly tender and soft. This usually takes 2-3 hours.
- Allow it to cool slightly before adding everything to a blender or food processor to blend on high for a few minutes until a completely smooth apple butter is formed. Pour into a container and store in the fridge for up to a month.
For the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add oat flour, chopped pecans, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even crust.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges puff and there’s a slight golden color on the edges. Allow the crust to cool while you make the filling
For the Yogurt Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Pour the yogurt filling over the crust and spread out evenly.
- Dollop apple butter on top of the yogurt filling and use a knife to create swirls.
- Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the batter is set except for the slightest jiggle in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
- Slice in squares and enjoy!
