These apple cinnamon cake bars are the ultimate combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon, baked into soft and flavorful bars. Each bite bursts with the comforting flavors of spiced apples nestled in a tender cake. The apples are gently sautéed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice to bring out their natural sweetness, while the cake base is rich and buttery with a perfect balance of vanilla and cinnamon. Quick and easy to make, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: You’ll love these cake bars for their tender, moist texture and the classic combination of apples and cinnamon. The buttery cake is simple yet flavorful, and the sautéed apples add a delicious burst of sweetness. They are easy to whip up, making them perfect for a cozy dessert, an afternoon snack, or even a breakfast treat. The warm spices and fresh apples make them ideal for fall, but they’re so good you’ll want to bake them year-round!
Perfect Occasion: These apple cinnamon cake bars are perfect for casual gatherings, holiday treats, or as a quick and satisfying dessert. They’re great for serving at a fall-themed brunch or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. You can also make them ahead of time and pack them as a sweet snack for work or school. Their soft, spiced flavor makes them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Decoration Tips: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cooled cake bars with powdered sugar before serving. If you want to add more flavor and texture, drizzle them with a light vanilla glaze or caramel sauce. You can also sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch. Serve the bars on a rustic platter for a cozy, autumnal vibe.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 apples (peeled and chopped)
- 20g brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cake:
- 100g butter (melted)
- 2 eggs
- 100g sugar
- 135g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar together until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.
- Assemble the Cake Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Scatter the prepared apples over the top of the batter, pressing them slightly into the cake.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for around 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.
Enjoy your soft and spiced apple cinnamon cake bars—perfect for any occasion!