Applesauce Spice Bars are soft, moist, and warmly spiced snack bars that bring all the cozy flavors of fall into every bite. Made with applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these bars are incredibly tender and lightly sweet, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Whether you frost them with cream cheese icing or enjoy them plain, they’re an easy, nostalgic treat that feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-moist and tender texture thanks to applesauce
- Packed with warm spices for comforting flavor
- Easy, one-bowl batter—no mixer needed
- Can be served frosted or unfrosted
- Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or holiday trays
- Lower in fat than traditional bars
- Great use for leftover applesauce
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking
- Naturally egg-free if desired
- Versatile and customizable with nuts or raisins
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Unsalted butter (melted or softened)
- Brown sugar
- Applesauce (unsweetened)
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: chopped walnuts, raisins, or cream cheese frosting
directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
- Mix in applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in nuts or raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 2530 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
- Optional: Top with cream cheese frosting or dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 1620 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 2530 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
Variations
- Frosted Finish: Top with cream cheese or maple glaze for extra indulgence.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter and omit the egg or use a flax egg.
- Whole Wheat: Swap in whole wheat flour for extra fiber and heartiness.
- Fruit Boost: Add raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries.
- Coconut Twist: Fold in shredded coconut for extra texture.
storage/reheating
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, microwave a bar for 1015 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
Do these bars need frosting?
Not at all! They’re delicious on their own, but frosting adds a nice finishing touch.
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes, the applesauce provides moisture. Use a flax egg or leave it out for a softer texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking pan or make two batches to feed a crowd.
What kind of applesauce works best?
Plain, unsweetened applesauce gives you the most control over sweetness and flavor.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, substitute an equal amount of neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
Are these bars more like cake or brownies?
They have a soft, cake-like texture but are sturdy enough to eat with your hands.
What’s the best way to frost them?
A simple cream cheese frosting or maple glaze pairs beautifully with the spice flavors.
Can I add chopped apples?
Yes, fold in about ½ cup of finely chopped apples for extra texture.
How do I keep them from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and store them tightly wrapped once cooled.
Conclusion
Applesauce Spice Bars are the ultimate nostalgic treat—moist, flavorful, and full of warm spices. With simple ingredients and easy prep, they’re perfect for fall baking, holiday trays, or anytime you want a comforting homemade dessert. Whether frosted or plain, these bars are sure to bring smiles with every bite.
Description
These Applesauce Spice Bars are soft, moist, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Made with applesauce, brown sugar, and a hint of nutmeg, they’re topped with a sweet glaze and perfect for fall baking, lunchbox treats, or a comforting afternoon snack.
For the Bars:
For the Glaze (Optional):
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Preheat Oven:
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Make the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
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Add egg, vanilla, and applesauce; mix well.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
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Fold in nuts and raisins, if using.
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Bake:
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Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
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Bake for 2530 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan.
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Add the Glaze (Optional):
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Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle over cooled bars and let set before slicing.
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Notes
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Use chunky or smooth applesauce—either works great.
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For extra richness, top with a brown butter glaze instead of the vanilla glaze.
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These bars freeze well (without the glaze) for up to 2 months.
