Description
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodles with the fresh sweetness of chopped apples, baked into soft, chewy bars perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set it aside to prep for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until well blended and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until the batter is smooth and cohesive.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Add Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and finely chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the classic snickerdoodle topping.
- Sprinkle Topping: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the baking dish to add sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, indicating the bars are baked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- You can substitute apples with pears or add nuts for variation.
- Make sure apples are finely chopped to ensure even distribution and easy bites.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving for a warm treat.
