introduction
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are soft, spiced, and easy to make. They mix snickerdoodle flavors with fresh apple pieces. The bars bake in one pan and cool before you cut them. They make a nice snack or dessert any day. You can also enjoy them with a warm bowl of apple cinnamon overnight oats for a simple apple-themed breakfast.
why make this recipe
You will like this recipe because it is quick and needs common ingredients. The bars are soft and not too sweet. The cinnamon and nutmeg give warm spice that pairs well with apple. It is a good recipe when you want homemade treats without a lot of work.
how to make Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
Preheat the oven and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Cream butter and sugars until light. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until mixed. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apple. Spread the batter into the pan. Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the batter. Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
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)
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in diced apple.
- Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Mix topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting and serving.
how to serve Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. You can also warm a bar for 10–12 seconds in the microwave for a soft, warm bite.
how to store Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 7 days. To freeze, wrap bars individually and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
- Use a firm apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so the pieces hold their shape.
- Dice the apple small so it mixes evenly in the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter — stop when the flour just disappears.
- Check at 25 minutes; ovens vary and you want soft centers without underbaking.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch.
- Stir in 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries for chew and tang.
- Swap half the butter for applesauce to make a lighter bar (the texture will change).
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Fresh is best. If you use frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid extra moisture.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and keep other steps the same.
Q: How do I know when they are done?
A: Edges will look golden and a toothpick in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a smaller pan and reduce bake time slightly. Watch closely after 20 minutes.
Q: Can I skip the topping sugar?
A: Yes. The bars will still taste good without the sugar-cinnamon topping.
Conclusion
For a similar take on the flavor, try the Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Bars – Recipes Inspired by Mom for more ideas. If you want a different shape, see the Apple Snickerdoodle Blondies – Rumbly in my Tumbly for a blondie-style version.
Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
Ingredients
For the bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
- 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
For the topping
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apple.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the batter.
Baking
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Amelia Johnson is a 28-year-old chef from New Orleans, Louisiana, known for her innovative take on traditional American cuisine. Growing up in a family that celebrated food, she developed a passion for cooking early on, experimenting with recipes from her grandmother. After graduating from culinary school, Amelia honed her skills in top restaurants, where her talent quickly gained acclaim for its creative dishes. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors, she inspires others through cooking workshops, sharing her love for food and the rich diversity of American cuisine.
