Welcome, Cozy Dessert Lovers! Today, we’re diving into a comforting classic: Heavenly Spiced Applesauce Bars with Cinnamon Glaze. With flavors reminiscent of fall, these bars are a fusion of spice and sweetness that’s perfect for cozy days. This applesauce spice bar recipe is easy, delicious, and ideal for any baking skill level.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars:
1 cupunsweetened applesauce
1 cupbrown sugar (lightly packed)
1/2 cupvegetable oil (or substitute with coconut oil for extra richness)
2large eggs
1 tspvanilla extract
1 1/2 cupsall-purpose flour
1 tspbaking powder
1/2 tspbaking soda
1 tspground cinnamon
1/2 tspnutmeg
1/4 tspallspice
1/4 tspsalt
For the Cinnamon Glaze:
1 cuppowdered sugar
1/2 tspcinnamon
2–3 tbsp milk (add more as needed for drizzling consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of spices in your applesauce bars.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling the glaze. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger to the spice mix.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
