Cinnamon-Spiced Fresh Apple Bars

Written by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 08/15/19
Spiced Apple Bars

Diana Rattray. The Spruce Eats, 2004.
  • Total: 47 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 32 mins
  • Yield: 9-12 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
280 Calories
16g Fat
31g Carbs
5g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9-12 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 280
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 6g 31%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 246mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Protein 5g
Calcium 44mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A simple spiced batter, fresh grated or shredded apples, and chopped walnuts make these apple bars moist and delicious. You can shred the apples with a mandoline, grate them with a food processor, or chop them very finely. And there's no need to peel the apples.

Sift some powdered sugar over the apple bars or serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream. They would be great drizzled with caramel sauce or a simple vanilla icing as well.

Ingredients

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter (melted and cooled slightly)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups apple (finely chopped or grated (1 large apple))
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (4 1/2 ounces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • dash salt
  • 3/4 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • Optional: 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

Steps to Make It

  1. Heat the oven to 350 F.

  2. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.

  3. In mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. 

  4. In another bowl combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to blend. Add the apples to the flour mixture and stir to blend.

  5. Add the apple and flour mixture to the first mixture; beat until well blended.

  6. Stir in chopped walnuts.

  7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.

  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

  9. Remove the pan to a rack to cool.

  10. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, or serve with a drizzling of caramel sauce or vanilla icing.