Description
Soft, cinnamon-spiced apple bars with a hint of caramel flavor — simple, cozy, and perfect for fall. These bars combine tender diced apples with a sweet, buttery batter enriched with warm cinnamon and vanilla, making them an ideal treat for any occasion or season.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure the bars do not stick during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated for a rich, flavorful base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and keeping the bars tender.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout to ensure every bite has a fruity surprise.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges and top turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into 9 bars. For an extra special touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Top warm apple bars with vanilla ice cream for an apple crisp–style dessert experience.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
