These bars come together quickly with pantry staples and fresh apples. You’ll love the warm cinnamon flavor, the soft cake-like texture, and how amazing your kitchen smells while they bake. Kids adore them, and they freeze beautifully, too!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Optional topping: powdered sugar or vanilla glaze
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter—a few lumps are okay!
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and slicing.
- Add-ins: Try chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert mode!
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No egg? Use ¼ cup applesauce for an egg-free version.
- Gluten-free: Swap flour for 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Add-ins: Stir in ¼ cup chopped nuts, raisins, or caramel chips.
- Frosted version: Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze.
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Bake the bars up to 2 days ahead and store tightly wrapped.
- Freeze baked and cooled bars for up to 2 months.
- Great for prepping snacks or a fall dessert tray!
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, whisk until creamy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Stir until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Apples
Gently stir in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cool completely. Slice into bars.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months
💬 Final Thoughts
These Apple Bars are cozy, simple, and always hit the spot—especially in fall, but honestly, they’re perfect year-round. 🍏💛 Soft, spiced, and just sweet enough, they’re great for both little hands and grown-up cravings.
Want to try a caramel apple or cream cheese swirl version next? Just let me know—I’d love to whip that up for you!
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