Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the delightful world of baking with Love With Recipes, where every dessert is crafted with love, precision, and the intention to create memorable moments. Today, we explore a comforting, aromatic, and irresistibly moist treat—Cinnamon Applesauce Bars. These bars are a harmonious blend of cinnamon spice, the natural sweetness of applesauce, and the chewy texture of raisins, all baked into a luscious, easy-to-make bar cookie that appeals to both the sweet tooth and the health-conscious baker.

Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy afternoon snack, these cinnamon applesauce bars are designed to be simple yet flavorful. Their moist crumb, fragrant aroma, and subtly sweet flavor make them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe promises a comforting experience that fills your kitchen with warm scents and satisfies every craving for a homemade treat.

Time

The entire process from start to finish takes approximately 50 minutes, making it an ideal quick bake for busy days or spontaneous dessert cravings. Breakdown of time commitments:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Needed Equipment

To ensure a smooth baking process, gather the following essential equipment before you start:

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C)
• 13×9-inch Baking Pan: Preferably non-stick or lined with parchment paper for easy removal
• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large sizes for dry and wet ingredients
• Sifting Tool: Fine mesh sieve or sifter for dry ingredients
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: For creaming butter and sugar
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients
• Rubber Spatula: For folding ingredients and scraping bowls
• Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check for doneness
• Cooling Rack: For cooling the bars after baking
• Optional: Pastry scraper or knife for slicing cooled bars

Tags

This recipe is versatile and can be tagged for easy categorization and searchability:

• Bar Cookie
• Healthy Dessert
• Applesauce Recipe
• Breakfast Bar
• Spiced Dessert
• Family-Friendly
• Vegetarian
• Quick Bake

Serving Size

Each batch yields approximately 36 bars, making them perfect for sharing or storing for future snacking. Serving size is typically considered one bar, which provides a satisfying portion without feeling overly indulgent. Nutritional information is provided per serving for those mindful of calorie intake or dietary tracking.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as Easy, suitable for bakers of all skill levels, including beginners. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to assemble. The key to success lies in proper mixing, accurate measurement, and careful baking to achieve that perfect moist, golden finish.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains common allergens, including:

• Gluten: Present in all-purpose flour
• Eggs: Used as a binding agent
• Dairy: Contains butter

For those with allergies or sensitivities, substitutions can be made, such as using dairy-free butter or egg replacers.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians. To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seed egg replacers, use plant-based butter, and ensure the applesauce is unsweetened and free from animal derivatives.

Course

This dish is categorized as a Dessert, ideal for completing a meal or serving as an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Cuisine

American comfort food with a hint of seasonal spice, perfect for fall or any time you crave warm, cozy flavors.

Ingredients in Tables

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking and optimal texture. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal of the bars once baked. Lining the pan with parchment also helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, especially if you plan to cut delicate bars.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, removing clumps and aerating the flour, which results in a lighter, more uniform batter. Use a fine mesh sieve or a dedicated sifter for best results. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed or a sturdy whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth, creamy, and pale in color. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming these ingredients properly is essential as it incorporates air into the batter, contributing to a tender crumb in the final bars.

4. Incorporate Eggs

Crack the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps to emulsify the ingredients, ensuring a cohesive batter. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to include all the mixture and maintain uniformity. Eggs also act as a binding agent, providing structure to the bars.

5. Add Vanilla and Applesauce

Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Then, gently fold in the applesauce, which adds moisture and a subtle fruitiness to the batter. The applesauce not only enhances flavor but also reduces the need for added fats, making these bars slightly healthier while maintaining moistness. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.

6. Fold in Raisins

Using a spatula, gently fold in the raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Raisins add bursts of sweetness and chewy texture, complementing the cinnamon and applesauce. If you prefer, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits or chopped nuts to customize your bars.

7. Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure uniform thickness. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready. The top should be golden brown, and the edges slightly pulling away from the pan.

8. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, which helps them set and makes slicing easier. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife or a pastry scraper. Serve these bars warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply as they are for a wholesome snack.

If you prefer to serve them later, let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then cut into individual servings and store accordingly.

Preparation Tips

• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract for optimal flavor. Organic or high-quality applesauce enhances the natural sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
• Measuring: Use measuring cups and spoons carefully to ensure ingredient accuracy, which is crucial for baking success.
• Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added; gently fold to prevent gluten development, resulting in tender bars.
• Customizations: Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to diversify flavors and textures.
• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.

Nutritional Information in Tables

Tips and Tricks

• Flavor Enhancers: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Texture Play: For a crunchier topping, sprinkle chopped nuts or oats on top of the batter before baking.
• Moisture Control: If the batter feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or additional applesauce to loosen it slightly.
• Batch Variations: Divide the batter into mini muffin tins for individual-sized treats.
• Presentation: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an elegant finish.

Add-ons and Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and richness.
• Dried Fruits: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots for different flavor notes.
• Spice Blend: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for extra warmth.
• Glaze: Top with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting for added sweetness.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Fresh fruit slices (apple, pear, or berries)
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
• Warm caramel or honey drizzle
• Creamy custard or vanilla pudding

Improvements and Customizations

To elevate or tailor this recipe to your preferences, consider the following modifications:

• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet version.
• Healthier Fats: Substitute butter with coconut oil or applesauce for a dairy-free, lower-fat alternative.
• Whole Grain: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed eggs, use vegan butter, and ensure applesauce is vegan-friendly.
• Extra Fruit: Incorporate finely chopped dried apples or pears into the batter for more fruitiness.

Save and Store

Proper storage extends the freshness and flavor of your cinnamon applesauce bars:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave before serving.

FAQ

Can I substitute fresh apples for applesauce?

Using fresh apples can introduce more moisture and texture. If you choose to use fresh apples, peel and dice them finely, then cook until soft and mash or puree before adding. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the bars are cooked through.

Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?

Not in their current form, as they contain wheat flour. To make gluten-free, substitute with a certified gluten-free flour blend and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure the applesauce is unsweetened and vegan-friendly.

Can I add nuts instead of raisins?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be folded into the batter instead of raisins, adding crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Applesauce Bars embody the cozy, nostalgic flavors of fall and winter, yet are versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Their moist, tender crumb, enhanced by the warm aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of applesauce, makes them a perennial favorite for all occasions. Easy to customize, quick to prepare, and irresistibly delicious, they are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into a comforting dessert. Whether served as a snack, a teatime treat, or a dessert after a hearty meal, these bars promise to enchant your taste buds and warm your heart. Be sure to visit Love With Recipes for more delightful baking adventures and share your creations with loved ones!

References

• https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/applesauce-bars
• https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/222236/cinnamon-apple-sauce-cake/