These Apple Bars are the most scrumptious Fall treat. They are packed with apples and topped with cinnamon sugar; you simply cannot have just one!
I love all seasons but Fall has some of the best activities. One thing we try to do as a family when we can is go apple picking. It is so fun, but you end up with so many apples! So of course, I had to come up with a new apple recipe to transform our haul.
These apple bars are similar to a Blondie in a way from the thickness of the dough but at the same time they are one of a kind. The best part of these apple bars is the cinnamon sugar topping. It adds in a sweet and flavorful crisp topping that crumbles in your mouth.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
Walnuts – These add an extra texture into these bars just like in my Browned Butter Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
Apples – Something about baking with apples makes the whole house feel cozier whether it is these apple bars or my Apple Pie Pancakes.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts please see the recipe card below.
Variations
Nuts – Walnuts are one of my favorite nuts to bake with because they are not overpowering and always provide great texture. However other nut options would be pecans, almonds, cashews, or any type of chopped nuts you prefer.
Apples – I personally use Gala apples for this recipe but you can also use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith Apples, Pink Lady Apples, etc. Keep in mind that the tarter the apple is, will change the overall flavor in the dish.
Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. I prefer salted butter because it is what I keep on hand, but I have made this recipe with both, and you really cannot tell the difference.
How to Make Apple Bars
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter.
Step 2: In a small bowl create your cinnamon sugar topping by mixing 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, then set aside.
Step 3: In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Step 4: In a large bowl with a wooden spoon mix the ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 5: Next, stir in the egg and vanilla.
Step 6: Then, stir in the flour mixture until everything is combined.
Step 7: Next, fold in the apples and walnuts into the batter. Note this is a thicker batter at this stage.
Step 8: Spread the batter evenly onto your prepared pan and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
Step 9: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the top springs back when lightly pressed. Serve, and enjoy!
FAQs
Yes, if you substitute in a flax egg and vegan butter you can make Vegan Apple Bars!
Yes. If you are baking in an 8-inch pan compared to a 9-inch pan, be sure to add 5-10 minutes of cooking time since you will have thicker bars.
Storage and Reheating
You can store these apple cubes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
If you want to reheat these Apple Bars, you can do so in the microwave until everything has warmed through.
Apple Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour - sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar - packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter - melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup apple - peeled and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1/2 cup walnuts - chopped
For the Topping
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch square pan with butter.
- In a small bowl create your cinnamon sugar topping by mixing 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, then set aside.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- In a large bowl with a wooden spoon mix the ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Next, stir in the egg and vanilla.
- Then, stir in the flour mixture until everything is combined.
- Next, fold in the apples and walnuts into the batter. Note this is a thicker batter at this stage.
- Spread the batter evenly onto your prepared 9-inch baking pan and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the top springs back when lightly pressed. Serve, and enjoy!
