These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are the ultimate cozy treat—a soft, chewy bar filled with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with juicy apple pieces in every bite. They capture the nostalgic flavor of classic snickerdoodles, but in a rich, satisfying bar form that’s perfect for fall or anytime I want a comforting dessert. With just one bowl and a handful of pantry staples, I can whip these up fast and enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups (180 g) all‑purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Topping:
2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later.
In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the texture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
Next, I beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything’s fully blended.
In another bowl, I whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to combine the dry ingredients.
I slowly mix the dry mixture into the wet, just until it’s combined—I avoid over-mixing to keep the bars tender.
I fold in the finely diced apple gently.
Then, I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
For the topping, I stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the top.
I bake the bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
I let the bars cool fully in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per bar
Variations
I sometimes add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
For a deeper caramel note, I swap the granulated sugar in the base with all brown sugar.
A dash of ground cloves or cardamom can add a more complex spice profile if I want a little twist.
If I’m short on fresh apples, I’ve used finely chopped pears or even drained canned apples with good results.
Storage/Reheating
I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. To keep them soft, I like placing a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers. If I want to reheat them, I pop a slice into the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that warm, fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
I check by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will also be lightly golden when they’re done.
Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
No, I wouldn’t recommend it. Applesauce adds too much moisture and changes the texture. Finely diced fresh apples give the best chewy-tender result.
What kind of apple works best?
I like using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and add great texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be extended by 5–10 minutes, so I keep an eye on it.
Do these freeze well?
Absolutely. I wrap the bars individually and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, I leave them at room temperature or microwave for about 20 seconds.
Conclusion
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are one of my go-to bakes when I want something sweet, spiced, and utterly comforting. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to share with guests or bring to a gathering. Every bite is soft, cinnamon-kissed, and dotted with juicy apple—pure comfort in dessert form.
Recipe:
Print
Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and juicy apple pieces. They offer the nostalgic flavor of classic snickerdoodles in a rich, bar format—perfect for fall or anytime you want a comforting treat.
Ingredients
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Topping:
2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the finely diced apple gently.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Swap granulated sugar with all brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
A pinch of ground cloves or cardamom adds a nice spice twist.
Finely chopped pears or drained canned apples can be used if fresh apples aren’t available.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, fresh taste.
These bars freeze well for up to 2 months when individually wrapped.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
