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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For the base, we start with the dry ingredients. All-purpose flour gives the bars their structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Salt enhances the flavors and balances sweetness. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, making each bite comforting and delicious. - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Next, we move to the wet ingredients. Softened butter creates a rich base. Brown sugar adds moisture and deep flavor, while granulated sugar sweetens without overpowering. Eggs bind everything together, and vanilla adds a lovely aroma. These ingredients blend to create a smooth batter. - 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples) - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2 tablespoons maple syrup Finally, we have the stars of our recipe. Diced apples bring freshness and texture. Walnuts add a crunchy touch, but they are optional. For the glaze, powdered sugar mixes with maple syrup to create a sweet topping. This glaze ties everything together, making the bars shine. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets your oven ready for baking. Next, grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Use butter or cooking spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure the mix is even. This blend gives your bars great flavor and helps them rise. In a large bowl, cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The air you whip in gives the bars a nice texture. Now, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. After that, gradually add your dry mix to the wet ingredients. Blend until just combined. Do not over-mix; this keeps your bars tender. Finally, fold in 1 ½ cups of peeled and diced apples and ½ cup of chopped walnuts, if you like. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. While the bars bake, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup in a small bowl. Mix until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet touch to your apple bars. When the bars cool, drizzle the glaze over them for that perfect finish. To get the best texture, avoid over-mixing the batter. When you mix too much, the bars can turn out tough. Mix until just combined. This keeps the bars soft and chewy. The creaming step is key. Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This step adds air and helps the bars rise nicely. For a lovely presentation, arrange the bars on a platter. Sprinkle some cinnamon or chopped walnuts on top. You can also add a small bowl of extra maple syrup for drizzling. Pair these bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a great side too. You can add fun flavors to the batter. Try mixing in spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. Walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can also use pecans or almonds. If you want more fruit, toss in some raisins or dried cranberries. These little additions make the bars even more delicious. {{image_2}} The best apples for baking include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji. Granny Smith apples give a nice tart flavor. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. Fuji apples provide a great crunch. Using a mix of these apples can enhance the taste. Always choose firm apples. Soft apples can make your bars mushy. If you want to switch up the glaze, consider using cream cheese frosting. Mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar for a rich taste. You can also use a simple lemon glaze. Just mix lemon juice and powdered sugar. This gives a bright flavor. Try a caramel sauce if you want something sweet and sticky. Each glaze adds its own twist to the bars. Walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can use other nuts too. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well. If you love chocolate, mix in chocolate chips. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also add great flavor. These options let you create your own unique apple bars. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix. Store your maple glazed apple bars at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them moist. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. But, note that refrigeration can make them a bit dense. To freeze the bars, let them cool completely first. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat one, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds for a warm treat. These delicious bars stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. In the fridge, they last about a week. If you freeze them, they can hold their flavor and texture for three months. Enjoy them while they are fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use other sweeteners. Brown sugar gives a rich flavor. You might try coconut sugar for a similar taste. Honey or maple syrup can work too, but adjust the liquid in the recipe. Just keep in mind that each sweetener changes the final taste and texture. The best apples are firm and sweet. I recommend Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch. Granny Smith gives a nice tartness. Fuji is juicy and sweet. Mixing two types can add depth to the flavor. Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one with xanthan gum for better texture. Almond flour or oat flour can also work. Just remember that baking time might change slightly. Check the bars after 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are done. The edges should look golden brown. If it’s still wet, bake a few more minutes, then check again. In this post, we covered the key ingredients and steps to make delicious apple bars. We discussed dry and wet ingredients, baking tips, and ways to enhance flavor. You learned about different apple varieties and glaze options. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and making it your own. Baking is fun and rewarding. Share your tasty results with friends and family!

Maple Glazed Apple Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Maple Glazed Apple Bars with this easy recipe! Featuring juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a sweet maple glaze, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create a delightful treat that will impress your friends and family. Ready to bake? Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a slice of fall flavor today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

        Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

          Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over-mix.

            Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.

              Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

                Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                  While the bars are baking, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth.

                    Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Once cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top of the apple bars and let it set for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars

                          - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped walnuts, and serve with a small bowl of extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling.