Molasses Apple Bars with a Brown Butter Glaze

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Stir in the browned butter.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Peel, core, and dice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Fold the diced apples into the batter, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the bars are cooling, make the brown butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.

Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the brown butter glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares.

Serve and enjoy!