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Apple Snickerdoodle Bars: The Perfect Fall Dessert That Takes Just 40 Minutes

These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon sugar and baked apples into a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, these soft, cake-like bars are the perfect fall treat for busy bakers seeking homemade comfort with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Baking, Dessert, Fall Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bar Base:
  • 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup 50g brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups 180g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 medium apple peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
  • 2 tablespoons 25g granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Mix batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fold in apples: Gently stir in diced apples until evenly distributed.
  7. Top and bake: Spread batter into the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Cool and serve: Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices.

Notes

Store at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle for an indulgent fall dessert.