Description

Delicious and wholesome Apple Snickerdoodle Bars combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples with a tender, chewy texture. These bars are made with wholesome ingredients like spelt flour, coconut sugar, and nut butter, making them a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and spice in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups spelt flour or all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup nut butter (such as almond or cashew)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

1 cup finely chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled)
Optional topping: 1 tablespoon coconut sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spelt or all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the coconut sugar, pure maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, nut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined and the batter is even, taking care not to overmix.
Fold in apples: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
Prepare for baking: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. If using, sprinkle the optional cinnamon and coconut sugar topping evenly over the batter for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.

Notes

You can substitute spelt flour with all-purpose flour if preferred.
For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or omit entirely.
Using peeled or unpeeled apples is a matter of preference; unpeeled adds extra fiber.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.