Indulge in the delightful flavors of apple and cinnamon with these scrumptious bars. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of tender apples and warm cinnamon will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up a few items if you don't already have them. Make sure you have unsalted butter on hand, as it provides the right balance of flavor without adding extra salt. Additionally, fresh apples are essential for this recipe, so be sure to choose firm and crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the bars, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bars, balancing the tartness of the apples.
Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the apples.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Apples: Provide a fresh, fruity flavor and moist texture.
Technique Tip for Perfect Bars
When folding in the chopped apples, make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This ensures that each bar has a consistent flavor and texture. Additionally, using room temperature eggs can help the batter mix more smoothly, resulting in a more uniform bake.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bars denser.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture, but you may need to reduce the other liquids slightly.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may offer a slightly different mineral content.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a subtle coconut flavor.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that adds fiber.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative in this recipe.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Bars
Allow the apple cinnamon bars to cool completely before storing. This ensures they maintain their texture and flavor.
For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a slightly chilled treat, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To freeze the bars, first cut them into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain their moist texture.
After wrapping, place the bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
The apple cinnamon bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
For a quick thaw, you can microwave the bars on a low setting for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them soggy.
If you prefer a warm treat, reheat the thawed bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will revive their freshly baked texture and aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apple cinnamon bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the bars' crispy edges and moist interior.
Microwave Method: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can make the bars rubbery.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apple cinnamon bars on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-browning. This method is great for a quick reheat while keeping the texture intact.
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method can give the bars a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and warm.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the apple cinnamon bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method is quick and helps maintain a nice texture.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the apple cinnamon bars at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Baking pan: A 9x13 inch pan that is greased to prevent the bars from sticking.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry and wet ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and apples.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Useful for folding in the chopped apples and spreading the mixture evenly in the baking pan.
Peeler: Used to peel the apples before chopping them.
Knife: For chopping the peeled apples into small pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to chop the apples safely.
Toothpick: Used to check if the bars are done by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly before cutting them into pieces.
Time-Saving Tips for Making These Bars
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during preparation.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop apples using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Melt butter in microwave: Melt the butter in the microwave to save time compared to stovetop melting.
Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
Mix dry ingredients ahead: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in advance and store in an airtight container.
Apple Cinnamon Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Apples, peeled and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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