Description

Delicious Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the soft, buttery richness of classic snickerdoodle cookies with the sweet, tart juiciness of fresh apples and the warm flavor of cinnamon. These soft and chewy bars with a slight crisp top are perfect for cozy days, offering comfort and delightful bursts of fruit in every bite. Made with simple pantry staples, they are easy to prepare and great for any skill level, ideal as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit and Topping

2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for coating apples)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating apples)
2 tbsp cinnamon sugar mixture (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into small bite-sized pieces. Toss them with 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 tbsp granulated sugar to coat evenly, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon to distribute the leavening and spice evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy, creating the light texture essential for the bars.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid toughening the bars. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the cinnamon-sugar coated diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed to provide juicy bursts in every bite.
Spread Batter in Pan and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Transfer the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top to create the signature snickerdoodle crackle.
Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set properly for clean cuts and optimal texture.

Notes

Choose fresh, crunchy apples to avoid mushy texture after baking.
Do not overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep bars tender.
Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and smooth batter.
Fold apples in gently but thoroughly to ensure even fruit distribution.
Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid underbaking or overbaking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (approx.)
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Apple Snickerdoodle Bars, cinnamon apple bars, snickerdoodle bars, apple dessert bars, cozy fall treats, easy apple bars