Apple Bars: A Delicious Homemade Dessert Recipe

When it comes to classic homemade desserts, Apple Bars are a perfect treat for those who love the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Combining the sweetness of Granny Smith apples with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this recipe is an easy yet satisfying dessert that you can make any time of year. Whether you’re serving them after a hearty meal or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these apple bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best apple bars, including ingredient tips, preparation instructions, variations you can try, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!

Why Apple Bars Are a Must-Try Recipe

Apple desserts are some of the most beloved treats, and for good reason! The tartness of apples combined with spices and sugar creates a balance that is both refreshing and indulgent. Apple Bars are a delightful twist on classic apple pie or apple crisp but are easier to make and serve. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to slice into portable bars.

Not only are these bars simple to make, but they also store well, making them perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or even school lunches. Plus, they’re versatile! You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, like adding nuts or drizzling them with caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless, but the base recipe we provide is sure to become one of your favorites.

Ingredients for Apple Bars

To create delicious apple bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the bars. Their firm texture also holds up well during baking, preventing the bars from becoming soggy.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  All-purpose flour forms the base of the bars, giving them structure and stability.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  The sugar adds sweetness, balancing out the tartness of the apples and the warmth of the spices.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  Butter provides richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
• 1 large egg
  The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the bars, adding a touch of warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  Cinnamon pairs perfectly with apples, offering a classic spice combination that evokes the essence of fall.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  Nutmeg adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, complementing the cinnamon.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  Baking powder helps the bars rise, making them light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  Baking soda aids in the rise of the bars, ensuring they bake evenly.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  Cloves provide a deep, aromatic spice that intensifies the flavors of the bars.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the bars to bake evenly, ensuring they cook through without burning. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove them once baked.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creamed butter and sugar create a tender, moist base for the bars.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are well-combined, add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue beating the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes even fluffier. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a layer of sweetness and warmth to the overall flavor.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, and salt. Sifting the ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed and removes any lumps that might affect the texture of the bars.

5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense, tough bars. Once everything is mixed, gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula. The apples will add moisture and flavor to the bars as they bake.

6. Spread the Batter in the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Ensure that the batter is level, so the bars bake evenly and have a consistent texture.

7. Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean. This ensures that the bars are fully cooked. The top should be golden brown, and the edges may pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

8. Cool and Serve

Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice. After cooling, slice them into 12 bars and serve. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for Making Perfect Apple Bars

Choosing the Right Apples

Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because they maintain their texture during baking and provide a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the bars. If you prefer a sweeter apple, you can substitute Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, but be aware that this may change the overall sweetness of the dish.

Adding Extras

For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. These will add a satisfying crunch to the soft bars. You can also sprinkle the top with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storing Leftovers

These apple bars store beautifully. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well! Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving.

FAQs about Apple Bars

1. Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of apples. While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala will give the bars a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that softer apples may break down more during baking.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or add it separately for proper binding.

3. How do I store apple bars?

Apple bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

4. Can I add a glaze or frosting to the apple bars?

Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk would work well with these bars. You could also add a cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make a larger batch. Simply use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness around the 55-minute mark.

Apple Bars

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• Author: recipevalue.com
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious Apple Bars are packed with tender pieces of Granny Smith apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for fall, this easy-to-make dessert is a comforting treat for any occasion. With a soft, moist texture and rich flavors, these bars are a family favorite that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Cream the butter and sugar in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture, and continue beating for 2-3 minutes until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
6. Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For added texture, you can include chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
• You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or drizzle with a glaze for extra sweetness.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Apple Bars