When you’re craving something sweet, simple, and unmistakably homey, nothing hits the spot like a batch of Apple Bars. 🍎✨ These golden, soft-baked squares are bursting with the tart flavor of Granny Smith apples and the buttery richness of a classic vanilla-scented batter. And the best part? You only need 6 basic ingredients and one bowl!
Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneak one with your morning coffee (guilty!), these bars are the definition of cozy. They’re perfect for fall but honestly work any time apples are in your kitchen.
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Overview of Apple Bars Recipe Content
What It Is
A one-bowl recipe for soft and chewy apple bars made with fresh diced apples, butter, vanilla, sugar, and flour. Classic, quick, and easy.
Why You’ll Love It
- Tart & Sweet: The apples balance the sugar perfectly
- Buttery Soft: Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth good
- Simple & Fast: Just six ingredients, one bowl, and 30 minutes
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Great for lunchboxes, parties, or weeknight dessert
Taste & Texture
Tender and buttery with a slight chew. The fresh apples create juicy bursts throughout, while the top gets golden and just the right amount of crisp.
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or whisk
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
Substitutions & Additions
- Flour: Use a gluten-free 1:1 blend if needed
- Sugar: Swap for coconut sugar or maple sugar for a deeper flavor
- Add-ins: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom for spice
- Topping: Add a streusel or drizzle with caramel for extra flair
How to Make Apple Bars
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Add Flour: Stir in flour until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in Apples: Gently mix in diced apples until evenly distributed.
- Spread & Bake: Spread batter into pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool & Slice: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then cut into bars.
What to Serve With Apple Bars
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Warm caramel drizzle or a dusting of cinnamon sugar
- A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche
- Hot tea, coffee, or apple cider
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness
- Finely dice the apples for even baking and soft texture
- Don’t overmix once flour is added—this keeps them tender
- Cool fully before slicing if you want clean, firm edges
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to serve warm
General Information
Apple bars are a nostalgic treat found in kitchens across the U.S.—a bridge between cookie and cake, built for speed and satisfaction. With no complicated steps or ingredients, they’re a classic example of how simplicity often makes the best dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another apple variety?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady all work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use vegan butter or coconut oil—just expect a slightly different texture.
Do they travel well?
Absolutely. These bars hold their shape and are great for lunchboxes or picnics.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just bake in a 9×13 pan and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
These Apple Bars are the kind of dessert you whip up once and keep in your back pocket forever. They’re versatile, delicious, and made with pantry staples. If you’re looking for a soft, buttery, apple-filled bite of comfort—this is it.
Other comforting bakes you’ll love:
- Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
- Date & Walnut Cookies
- Flourless Orange, Pistachio & Almond Cake
- Almond Flour Scones
Interactive Elements
Made these bars? I’d love to see! Tag @poulefrecipe on Pinterest so I can cheer on your apple-baking adventures!
Nutritional Information Apple Bars
| Nutrient | Per Bar (1 of 9) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 45mg |
Apple Bars – Buttery, Soft & Irresistibly Easy 6-Ingredient Apple Treat
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Bars are buttery, soft, and bursting with fresh diced apples. Made with just 6 pantry ingredients, they’re the perfect easy dessert or snack that brings cozy fall vibes all year round!
Ingredients
-
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
-
In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Stir in flour to form a thick batter.
-
Fold in diced apples.
-
Spread batter evenly in pan.
-
Bake 30–35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
-
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then slice into bars.
Notes
-
For spiced apple bars, add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
-
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for flavor depth
-
Store covered at room temp or refrigerate for longer freshness
-
Great served warm with ice cream or caramel sauce
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
