Name: Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups spelt flour or all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 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; 1 cup finely chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled); Optional topping: 1 tablespoon coconut sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling

Soft, chewy, and loaded with cozy cinnamon flavor, these Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are my go-to dessert when I want something nostalgic with a fresh, fruity twist. They bring the comforting flavor of classic snickerdoodles together with juicy bites of apple in every bar. Whether it’s fall baking season or just a chilly afternoon, this simple recipe makes the perfect sweet snack or light dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bars combine simple, wholesome ingredients with big flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make with one bowl for wet ingredients, one for dry, and just a few steps from mixing to baking. The addition of apples not only keeps them moist but adds a delicious natural sweetness and texture. Plus, they’re dairy-free, vegan, and can be made with either spelt or all-purpose flour depending on what I have in my pantry. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those last few apples sitting on the counter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups spelt flour or all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

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

1 cup finely chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled)

Optional topping: 1 tablespoon coconut sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In another bowl, I stir together the coconut sugar, maple syrup, applesauce, nut butter, and vanilla until smooth.

Then, I combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is evenly incorporated.

I fold in the chopped apples gently.

Next I spread the batter into the prepared pan and, if I want a little extra sweetness, I sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over the top.

I bake it for 22–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

After cooling, I slice the bars and enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Each bar contains approximately 155 kcal.

Variations

Gluten-Free: I sometimes swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend if I’m baking for someone with sensitivities.

Nuts-Free: If I need to make it nut-free, I use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or cashew.

Extra Apple Chunks: For more texture, I add up to 1 ½ cups of apples instead of 1 cup.

Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of vegan caramel sauce on top adds a rich finishing touch.

Spiced Up: I occasionally add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper spice flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully — I wrap individual bars and freeze them for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that soft, fresh-baked feel.

Related Recipes:

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread

FAQs

How do I keep the bars from getting too dry?

I make sure not to overbake them and always use applesauce and fresh apples for moisture. Keeping an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking helps.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, I’ve made these with whole wheat flour and they turn out slightly denser but still delicious. I might add a little extra applesauce to keep them moist.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Not at all. I’ve made these bars with both peeled and unpeeled apples. Leaving the skin on adds a bit more texture and nutrients.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. I usually extend the baking time by about 5–10 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Yes, they’re sweetened naturally with maple syrup and applesauce, and they’re soft, easy to chew, and free from refined sugar — a great treat for kids.

Conclusion

These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are everything I want in a fall-inspired treat: soft, spiced, and simple to make. I love how versatile and wholesome they are, with just the right amount of sweetness and a cozy texture that makes each bite satisfying. Whether I’m baking a batch for guests or just enjoying them with a hot drink, they never last long in my kitchen.

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