Apple Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the classic cinnamon-sugar flavors of snickerdoodles with tender, juicy pieces of apple in a soft, buttery bar. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars offer a delightful twist on a traditional cookie that’s ideal for dessert or a sweet snack.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars (3x3 squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Bar Batter
- 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
Topping
- 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- 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, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is homogenous.
- Combine 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.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in apple: Gently fold the finely diced, peeled apple into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Spread batter in pan: Pour and evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan to create an even layer.
- Add topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Bake: Bake the bars 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.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares and serving to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.
Notes
- For best results, use a tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- You can store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- These bars can be warmed slightly before serving to enhance the apple aroma and softness.
- To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Keywords: apple snickerdoodle bars, apple dessert bars, snickerdoodle recipe, cinnamon apple bars, easy dessert bars