Apple Bar Cookies are the perfect easy baked apple dessert to celebrate the fall season. I remember making these with my son, Jake, who insisted on adding extra cinnamon because he thought it would make them taste like autumn in a bite. These apple cookie bars are not only delicious but also a fun way to use up those fresh apples from the orchard.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re simple to make and perfect for family gatherings.
- The warm apple and cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen.
- You can easily customize them with nuts or dried fruit.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about these apple bar cookies that just feels like home. They remind me of cozy evenings spent with family, sharing stories and laughter over a warm treat.
What You Need
- 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar
- 220 g 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 2 large eggs
- 2 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 360 g 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adjust to taste.
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- about 3 medium apples 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced – Use your favorite variety, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- 4 oz 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) – Pecans or walnuts work well.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You should see a pale color and a fluffy texture, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, giving off a sweet aroma.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a thick batter.
- Fold in the sliced apples and nuts, if using. The batter will be thick, and the apples should be well-distributed throughout.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely and makes them easier to cut.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Mix It Up
- Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
- Substitute half of the apples with pears for a different flavor.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pair with a warm cup of cider or coffee.
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FAQs
Can I make these apple bar cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these apple bars?
Yes, they freeze well! Just wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a vegan alternative.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
Conclusion
These Apple Bar Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With their warm, comforting taste, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So grab some apples and give this easy baked apple dessert a try!
Apple Bar Cookies: Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced Use your favorite variety, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) Pecans or walnuts work well.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the sliced apples and nuts, if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.