Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Bars: Your Ultimate No-Fuss Fall Dessert
Prepare yourself for a truly delightful treat that effortlessly blends the best qualities of a classic apple blondie with the comforting warmth of a gooey cinnamon coffee cake. These homemade apple cinnamon bars offer an unparalleled texture experience: perfectly crispy edges, infused with fragrant cinnamon and rich brown sugar, giving way to an incredibly soft, moist, and utterly gooey apple pecan center. This no-fuss recipe promises a dessert that is not only simple to prepare but also irresistibly delicious. Serve them warm, perhaps topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a luxurious finish to any meal or as a standout star at your next gathering. They are destined to become a staple in your collection of favorite fall dessert recipes.
A Family Favorite: The Story Behind “Apple Crap”
I confess, I should probably be embarrassed by the endearing (and frankly, hilarious) nickname these incredible apple bars have earned in my home. My sons, with all the imaginative genius only children possess, have lovingly dubbed this delightful treat “apple crap.” And if you ask them, because it contains both apples and pecans, it qualifies as a perfectly healthy option to be enjoyed at any time of day – even for breakfast! (As you might gather, their understanding of nutritional information might be slightly skewed, but their enthusiasm for these bars is undeniably accurate!)
Effortless Baking: Why These Apple Bars Are Truly No-Fuss
Beyond the amusing nickname, these apple bars truly live up to their “no-fuss” reputation. This is a genuine one-bowl recipe, making clean-up a breeze and the baking process delightfully simple. It’s the ideal way to utilize those bountiful fall apples you might have on hand. What makes it even easier? You don’t even have to peel the apples! This saves precious time and effort, getting you to a delicious dessert faster.
The Great Apple Peeling Debate: To Peel or Not To Peel?
I know some bakers can be quite particular about whether to peel apples for baked goods or not. Concerns often arise that apple skins might become tough in recipes with tender textures, such as delicate apple cakes. However, I confidently argue that retaining the apple skins in these apple cinnamon bars offers several wonderful benefits. Not only do the skins contribute beautiful flecks of color to the finished product, enhancing its rustic appeal, but they are also packed with vitamins and fiber, making your dessert a little more nutritious.
Truthfully, a significant part of my preference is simply born out of a love for efficiency (or perhaps, a touch of baking laziness!). For these particular easy apple bars, whether you choose to peel your apples or leave them as they are, the end result will be equally delicious and satisfying. Feel free to follow your heart (and your kitchen habits)!
Choosing Your Apples for Baking
For the best texture and flavor in your apple cinnamon bars, opt for baking apples that hold their shape well and offer a good balance of sweet and tart. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices. A mix of two different types can also add more complexity to the flavor profile. Just make sure they are firm and fresh for optimal results.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Bars
Crafting these delectable apple cinnamon bars requires a selection of pantry staples that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Dark brown sugar
- White sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Apples (chopped, unpeeled is fine!)
- Chopped pecans
A Note on Sugars and Substitutions
For my fellow bakers who frequently inquire about substitutions, rest assured that light brown sugar will work perfectly well in this recipe if dark brown sugar isn’t available. However, I personally gravitate towards the exceptional richness that dark brown sugar imparts. Dark brown sugar boasts a higher molasses content, which contributes a deeper, more pronounced caramel-like flavor to baked goods. This depth of flavor beautifully complements the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon, elevating these apple cinnamon bars to another level. If you’ve yet to experiment with dark brown sugar, this recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to discover its nuanced contribution. I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts and whether you can discern the delightful difference it makes!
Additionally, if you’re looking for a nut substitution, chopped walnuts make a superb alternative to pecans, offering a similar crunch and earthy flavor. And for those feeling adventurous and wanting to try something truly unique, consider substituting chopped fresh pears for apples. Pear cinnamon bars are a delightful twist that’s equally perfect for autumn.
Tips for Baking Flawless Apple Cinnamon Bars
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough bars instead of tender ones.
- Check for Doneness: The bars are ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. They should also feel slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool Completely (or Mostly): While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the bars to cool in the pan helps them set properly. This ensures they cut cleanly and maintain their gooey texture without falling apart.
- Pan Preparation: Always use nonstick spray or line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. This is especially important for gooey bars like these.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These apple cinnamon bars are incredibly versatile. They are undeniably delicious on their own, showcasing their rich, gooey texture and warm spices. For an extra special treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect accompaniment for an afternoon snack or a cozy evening dessert. And, as my boys would attest, they’re even a delightful (if not entirely nutritionist-approved) breakfast option!
Storage
Store any leftover apple pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave before serving.
More Dessert Bar Recipes You’ll Love:
- Churro Bars
- Chocolate Revel Bars
- Raspberry White Chocolate Shortbread Bars
- Cherry Almond Squares
Apple Cinnamon Bars
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Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 6 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped apple
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, dark brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and springs back slightly when gently touched in the center.
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Allow the apple cinnamon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This ensures they set properly and maintain their gooey texture.
Notes
Nutrition
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