Apple Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and tender apples with a soft, buttery base. Perfect for a cozy dessert or an afternoon treat, they are simple to make and delightfully satisfying.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples (peeled)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Peel and chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the bars.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to combine all dry ingredients.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the batter for a sweet, spiced crust.
- Step 9: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bars turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
- Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares for serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that holds up well during baking.
- For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans when folding in the apples.
- Swap the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle nutty twist.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use frozen apples if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The bars are done when they turn golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Apple Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combine the classic flavor of snickerdoodle cookies with the sweet, tart bite of fresh apples. Soft and chewy with a cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars are perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 cups chopped apples (peeled)
Topping
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces for incorporation into the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients and Fold Apples: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Then fold in the chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter in the prepared 9×13-inch pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter’s surface for a classic snickerdoodle finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- Make sure the apples are peeled and chopped small to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks.
- For extra flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tang.
- Butter should be softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat bars slightly before serving if you prefer them warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Snickerdoodle Bars, cinnamon sugar bars, apple dessert bars, snickerdoodle recipe, baked apple bars

