These Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars combine the warm, comforting flavors of snickerdoodle cookies and apple pie in a handheld dessert. With a soft, buttery cookie base, spiced apple filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars are an irresistible treat perfect for fall or any time of year!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Apple peeler and corer
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients Overview
- Snickerdoodle Dough: The soft and buttery base that doubles as the top layer.
- Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- Cinnamon-Sugar: Adds the signature snickerdoodle flavor.
- Butter and Brown Sugar: Create a gooey, caramel-like richness in the apple filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Snickerdoodle Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice 4–5 medium apples into thin slices.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Cook until the apples soften slightly, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Bars
- Press half of the snickerdoodle dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even base.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
- Crumble or drop small pieces of the remaining dough over the apple layer, covering as much as possible.
5. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- Mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the bars.
6. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Recipe Tips
- For a shortcut, use store-bought snickerdoodle cookie dough.
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for extra decadence.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Hot apple cider or a chai latte for cozy vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to balance the sweetness.
How should I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ingredients
Snickerdoodle Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Apple Filling:
- 4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan.
- Make the snickerdoodle dough by creaming butter and sugar, then adding eggs, vanilla, and dry ingredients.
- Prepare the apple filling by cooking apples with butter, sugar, and spices until slightly softened.
- Press half the dough into the pan, layer with apple filling, and top with remaining dough.
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over the top and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Enjoy these Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars as a warm, nostalgic dessert perfect for any occasion!
These Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars
Equipment
- Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Apple peeler and corer
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- Snickerdoodle Dough:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Apple Filling:
- 4 –5 medium apples Granny Smith recommended
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13-inch pan.
- Make the snickerdoodle dough by creaming butter and sugar, then adding eggs, vanilla, and dry ingredients.
- Prepare the apple filling by cooking apples with butter, sugar, and spices until slightly softened.
- Press half the dough into the pan, layer with apple filling, and top with remaining dough.
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over the top and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy these Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars as a warm, nostalgic dessert perfect for any occasion!
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