Easy Applesauce Bars
Delicious and moist applesauce bars combine warm spices and sweet raisins, perfect for a quick snack or dessert that appeals to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter in a bowl.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until well combined.
- Set aside the mixture.
- Mix baking soda with cold applesauce until blended.
- Add the applesauce mixture to the butter and sugar mixture and combine.
- Add raisins, cinnamon, cloves, and flour to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you prefer, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce to reduce fat content. For added texture, try incorporating chopped nuts or swapping raisins with dried cranberries. Make sure to sift the flour for a lighter batter, and adjust baking time based on your oven's calibration. This recipe can also be adapted to fit vegetarian recipes easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious applesauce bars warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, try drizzling a bit of Lime Dressing over the bars for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through and soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Applesauce Bars contains roughly 229 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 21g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe to avoid the bars being overly sweet. Taste the batter before baking and adjust as needed.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The applesauce bars are done when they are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
Can I freeze these applesauce bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the bars cool completely, then cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).