Apple Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender chunks of fresh apple, baked into a soft, buttery treat. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy dessert, they bring the comforting flavors of fall to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Step 6: Fold the finely diced apple into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 8: Combine the topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet batter.
- Try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and a lighter texture.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy warm bars, reheat briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds. They also freeze well; wrap individually and thaw before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Firmer, tart apples like Granny Smith work best as they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness to balance the sweetness.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be baked a day or two in advance. Store them well wrapped to keep them fresh, and enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Print
Apple Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars (3×3 grid) 1x
Description
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the classic cinnamon-sugar flavors of snickerdoodle cookies with tender diced apples folded into a soft bar. With a cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced batter topped with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle, these bars offer a delightful chewy texture and a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet treat with a bit of fruit.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Fruit and Topping
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step aerates the batter and creates a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and cohesive batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the bars tough.
- Fold in Apple: Gently fold in the finely diced apple, distributing it evenly throughout the batter to add moisture and a fresh fruit flavor.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch pan, smoothing the top to create an even surface for baking.
- Prepare Topping: Mix together the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface of the batter to create a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper and cutting into squares. Serve as a delicious snack or dessert.
Notes
- Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Cool bars completely to prevent them from falling apart when cut.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the dry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple bars, snickerdoodle bars, cinnamon apple dessert, easy apple dessert, fall dessert, apple cinnamon bars
