Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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These Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars are what cozy fall dreams are made of—sweet cinnamon-kissed apples layered between a buttery cookie crust and a soft, crumbly snickerdoodle topping. Each bite delivers the familiar warmth of apple pie, but in a portable, sliceable, utterly irresistible form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a weekend bake, or simply craving something comforting, these bars promise to steal the show.

Imagine the richness of buttery shortbread, the gooey satisfaction of cinnamon apple filling, and the classic sugary crunch of snickerdoodle all rolled into one dessert. Perfect for potlucks, dessert tables, or an afternoon treat with coffee, these bars offer that nostalgic apple pie flavor—no fork required.

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Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars Recipe

For the crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the apple filling:

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the snickerdoodle topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, softened

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Bake it for 15 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden.

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Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat all the apple pieces evenly. This mixture will become juicy and aromatic, infusing your kitchen with the smell of warm spices.

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Step 3: Prepare the Snickerdoodle Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine the softened butter and flour until crumbly. Stir in the cinnamon sugar mixture to form a loose, streusel-like topping. This will create that signature snickerdoodle crunch and spice.

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Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust has par-baked, spread the apple filling evenly over it. Sprinkle the snickerdoodle topping generously over the apples. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apple filling is bubbling slightly at the edges.

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Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles. For clean edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for the best experience.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 16 bars):

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 23g
• Protein: 2g

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes, you can substitute with apple pie filling to save time. However, fresh apples provide better texture and flavor.

2. What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices because they balance sweetness and tartness and hold their shape during baking.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for both the crust and the topping.

4. How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The topping should be golden, and the apple filling should be bubbling at the edges. A gentle press in the center should feel firm, not doughy.

5. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or two 9×13-inch pans.

6. Are these bars good for holiday gifting?

Definitely. Once cooled, wrap individual bars in wax paper or parchment and tuck them into a gift box—they hold up well and look beautiful.

7. What can I serve with these bars?

They’re delicious on their own, but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

8. Do I need to peel the apples?

It’s recommended to peel them for a smoother texture, but if you like a bit of chew, you can leave the skins on.

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