Apple Bars are the quintessential fall treat that perfectly blend the sweetness of apples with warm spices, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them warm from the oven with a scoop of ice cream or drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce, these Apple Bars are sure to impress your family and friends. The best part? They’re easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Let’s get started!
Why It Works Every Time
The success of these Apple Bars lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The Challenge Unsalted Butter provides a rich base, while the combination of brown sugar and apple pie spice infuses the bars with warmth and sweetness. The chopped Honey Crisp apples add a juicy crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft, cake-like texture of the bars. Plus, they’re simple enough for baking beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers.
Ingredient Rundown
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – This is the foundation of our bars, providing structure and stability.
- Baking Powder (1 ½ teaspoons) – This leavening agent gives the bars a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Apple Pie Spice (1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon) – A delightful blend of spices that brings the essence of fall into every bite.
- Challenge Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted) – Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 ½ cups, slightly packed) – Provides a deep sweetness and moisture due to its molasses content.
- Large Eggs (2) – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Honey Crisp Apples (1 ½ heaping cups, peeled and chopped) – These apples offer a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 ½ tablespoons) – Used for sprinkling on top for a sweet finish.
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk – To ensure the mixture is well combined and airy.
- Spatula – Perfect for folding in the apples gently.
- Baking Pan (9×13 inch) – This is the ideal size for baking your Apple Bars.
- Parchment Paper – Lining the pan makes for easy removal and cleanup.
Apple Bars: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or a little extra melted butter.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This step is vital to ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted Challenge Unsalted Butter, light brown sugar, eggs, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped Honey Crisp apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with granulated sugar and the remaining apple pie spice for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Adaptations for Special Diets
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Lower Sugar: Use less brown sugar and substitute with a sugar alternative that measures like sugar.
- Nut-Free: Ensure that no nut-based ingredients or cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
Pro Perspective
When it comes to baking, precision is key. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. If you want to enhance the flavor of your Apple Bars, consider adding a handful of walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to switch up the flavor profile. And remember, these bars are incredibly versatile; feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
These Apple Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. They taste delicious straight from the fridge or warm with a scoop of ice cream!
Quick Questions
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honey Crisp apples are fantastic for their balance of sweet and tart, you can use any variety you prefer, such as Granny Smith or Fuji.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter will be thick but pourable. It should spread easily in the pan but hold its shape while baking.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter along with the apples for added texture and flavor.
What can I serve with these Apple Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own but are even better topped with whipped cream or drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
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The Last Word
Apple Bars are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether enjoyed in the company of friends or as a sweet end to a cozy dinner, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked Apple Bars!
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Apple Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 5: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the chopped apples gently.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the pan, sprinkle with sugar and remaining apple pie spice, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Step 8: Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
