Name: Apple Cinnamon Cake Bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional); ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt); 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; ½ tsp cinnamon

Description

These Apple Cinnamon Cake Bars are the perfect cozy treat for fall or any time you crave something warm and comforting. Packed with tender apple chunks, fragrant cinnamon, and a moist cake texture, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or even breakfast with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Bars:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
Combine & Fold in Apples:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
Spread Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. If using, mix the cinnamon sugar topping and sprinkle it over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
Cool & Slice:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into bars.

Notes

Apple Variety: Use crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
Texture Tip: For extra moist bars, don’t overmix the batter.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Add-ins: Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or raisins make a tasty addition.