Apple Cinnamon Cake Bars – The Cozy Dessert You’ll Crave All Year

Introduction

Few things say comfort like the scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. These Apple Cinnamon Cake Bars are the ultimate treat for apple lovers, combining the texture of a tender cake with the rich, spiced flavor of baked apples. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or just a quiet night in, these bars are easy to make, loaded with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re looking for a cozy, nostalgic dessert to wow your family or guests, this is it. You’ll love how each bite of these gooey apple bars melts in your mouth, with warm spices and a moist cake base.

For more comforting recipes like this one, explore our collection on rangermt.com.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Easy to make – No need to roll pie dough or prep fancy layers
✅ Loaded with apples – Every bite is packed with fruit
✅ Perfect for fall – The cinnamon-spice combo is just right for cool weather
✅ Great for gatherings – Cut into squares and serve to a crowd
✅ Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and enjoy later

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these decadent apple cinnamon bars:

For the Apple Layer:

• 4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Cake Base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

2️⃣ Make the Cake Base

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.

3️⃣ Layer the Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the pan. Arrange the apple mixture on top in a thick, even layer. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the apples (it doesn’t have to cover them perfectly—some peeking apples are fine).

4️⃣ Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

5️⃣ Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect served:

• Warm with vanilla ice cream

• Cold with a cup of coffee or tea ☕

• Topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence

You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for an extra treat.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Cake Bars

Choose the right apples – A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
Use parchment paper – This makes removal and cleanup much easier.
Let them cool – Cutting too early may cause the bars to fall apart. Patience pays off!

Variations You Can Try

Want to customize your bars? Try these ideas:

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist

• Mix in raisins or cranberries for added sweetness

• Use apple pie spice instead of individual spices for deeper flavor

• Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for a decadent finish

Related Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more comforting, fruit-forward desserts? Try these popular recipes from rangermt.com:

• Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake

• Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Peach Pie Cruffins

• Quick Maple Bars

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cinnamon Cake Bars are everything you want in a dessert: warm, gooey, comforting, and packed with fall flavor. With layers of spiced apples nestled between tender cake, it’s a dessert that never goes out of season.