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

Scale

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