Cinnamon Applesauce Bars
Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 36
Calories per Serving: 82
These Cinnamon Applesauce Bars are a perfect dessert for sharing at large gatherings, offering a delightful combination of cinnamon-spiced flavor and the natural sweetness of applesauce. Ideal for cookie lovers and those looking for an easy-to-make, oven-baked treat, these bars will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1 1/2 cups |
| Raisins | 3/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 82 |
| Fat Content | 2.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 18.5 mg |
| Sodium Content | 57.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates Content | 13.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber Content | 0.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 6 g |
| Protein Content | 1.2 g |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps to prevent clumping.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
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Incorporate Vanilla and Applesauce: Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the applesauce to the mixture, blending until smooth. This moistens the batter, giving the bars their signature tenderness.
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Add Raisins and Combine: Fold in the raisins. They add a touch of sweetness and texture that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and applesauce.
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Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. If you prefer warm bars, serve them immediately with a dollop of cream or ice cream. For a more traditional approach, let them cool completely before slicing into 36 bars.
Tips for Success:
- Flavor Variations: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can swap them for chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a different twist on the classic flavor.
- Make Ahead: These cinnamon applesauce bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra indulgent treat, top the bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or need a quick dessert for a larger group. The Cinnamon Applesauce Bars are moist, flavorful, and wonderfully aromatic, sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
