Print

Apple Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe

4.2 from 81 reviews

Delightfully soft and chewy Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine warm cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced batter with tender bits of apple, topped with a classic cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for a cozy dessert or an afternoon treat, these bars bake to golden perfection in just under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the batter is smooth and cohesive.
  4. 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 leavening agents and spices.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter which can yield dense bars.
  6. Fold in Diced Apple: Carefully fold in the peeled and finely diced apple pieces to distribute fruit evenly throughout the batter, adding bursts of juicy flavor.
  7. Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
  8. Prepare and Sprinkle Topping: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping, then evenly sprinkle it over the batter to create a sweet, spiced crust.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating that it is fully baked.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 9 servings to ensure clean slices and optimal texture.

Notes

  • Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to easily cream with sugars.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender.
  • Cooling the bars fully before cutting helps maintain their structure.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.

Keywords: apple snickerdoodle bars, cinnamon apple bars, easy apple dessert, baked apple bars, cinnamon sugar bars