Sheet pan apple fritter bars recipe

Introduction:

These sheet pan apple fritter bars bring the warm, comforting flavors of traditional apple fritters into an easy-to-make bar form. Ideal for a cozy fall treat, these bars capture the essence of spiced apples, soft cake, and a luscious glaze in a sheet pan setup, making them perfect for serving a crowd. They are easier to prepare than individual fritters, with all the same delicious notes of apple and cinnamon.

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 cups diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a sheet pan (or line with parchment paper).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or yogurt), whisking until smooth.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Apples: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk to reach desired consistency.
7. Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are slightly cooled but still warm, pour the glaze over the top, spreading evenly.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy the soft, spiced apple flavors with a hint of sweetness from the glaze.

Conclusion:

These sheet pan apple fritter bars are a delightful blend of spiced apples, soft cake, and a sweet glaze. They are easy to prepare, versatile, and capture the essence of a classic apple fritter with minimal effort. Perfect for autumn gatherings or as a cozy treat with coffee or tea, these bars are sure to be a hit!