Hey friends! It’s Callie here, and I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe for Apple Snickerdoodle Bars with you. These are the kind of treats I pull together when I’m craving something sweet but don’t have the time for a full-on baking marathon. Imagine biting into a delightful mix of soft apple chunks and cinnamon-sugar bliss—it’s like a cozy apple pie hugged by a snickerdoodle. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon with a good book or as a quick after-school snack for the kiddos. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make sure they’re always on hand.
If you’re looking for another fall-inspired treat, be sure to check out my recipe for Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
why you’ll love this recipe
So, why should you give these bars a try? Well, for starters, they’re incredibly easy to make—seriously, you won’t spend more than 15 minutes prepping. And if you’re like me, anything that makes the house smell like a cinnamon apple dream without needing to babysit the oven for hours is a winner. Plus, they have this wonderful balance of sweetness and spice that’s super satisfying.
I whipped these up for a last-minute potluck once, and they were gone before I even got to grab one. Lesson learned to always stash a few away just for myself! Kids and adults alike love them, which makes them a great choice for family gatherings or a quick whip-up when you have guests coming over.
ingredients
- 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
- 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
step-by-step instructions
preheat and prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper—you don’t want any of that deliciousness sticking to the pan, trust me.
Make the batter
Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until it’s light and fluffy.
This takes about 3–4 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns a pale yellow.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
That way, everything’s nicely distributed before it meets the wet ingredients.
Combine and fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Mix until just combined—you don’t want to overdo it.
Gently fold in the finely diced apple.
This is my favorite part; the chunks make the bars so juicy and flavorful.
Bake
Spread the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top as best as you can with a spatula.
Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
This cinnamon-sugar crust is the cherry on top!
Bake for 25–30 minutes.
You’ll know it’s perfect when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.
I know it’s hard to wait, but it’ll be worth it!
recipe tips & variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little extra crunch and nuttiness.
Feeling a bit naughty? A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top can send these bars over the edge of deliciousness.
And for those trying to sneak in a bit of health, swap out half of the butter for applesauce. It’ll still be tasty, and no one will know!
storage & reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container and they’ll last up to five days—I doubt they’ll make it that long without disappearing, though!
If you’d like to enjoy them warm again, just pop a piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll be just like they’re fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp would all be delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Use a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on them—cooking time might need a bit of adjustment.
Are these freezable?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. They might be slightly different in texture, but should still be yummy!
recipes you may like
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken: Sweet, Savory Goodness!
Savory Slow-Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Breast Bliss
Print
Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Apple Snickerdoodle Bars, perfect for any occasion with a cozy mix of apple and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups 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
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes, and then beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the finely diced apple.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Consider adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance the flavor.
- Using applesauce instead of half the butter can make it healthier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg