Apple Walnut Bars offer all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie but without the extensive effort. This delightful dessert features a thin, slightly crispy top layer, a moist and rich apple-cinnamon filling, and a satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts. Perfect on their own, these bars are even more irresistible when served warm à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baked Apple Walnut Bars are a fantastic addition to any gathering, especially during the autumn months when fresh, local apples are at their peak. Imagine the inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen – that’s the magic these bars bring. They are simple enough for a weeknight treat, yet elegant enough for holiday entertaining, making them a truly versatile and beloved fall dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Walnut Bars

This Apple Walnut Bars recipe is designed for both ease and exceptional flavor. Here’s why it’s destined to become a favorite in your baking repertoire:

• Effortless Elegance: Achieve the delicious taste of apple pie without the fuss of preparing a crust. These bars are quick to assemble and bake, making them ideal for busy schedules.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful contrast of textures with every bite – a tender, cake-like base loaded with soft apple chunks and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a subtly crispy finish.
• Warm, Inviting Flavors: The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and earthy walnuts creates a harmonious flavor profile that is quintessentially fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Savor them plain, dust with powdered sugar, or elevate them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes them to an even more decadent level.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From casual family desserts to holiday parties and potlucks, these apple walnut bars are always a hit. They’re easy to transport and serve, making them perfect for sharing.
• Fresh Ingredient Focus: Capitalize on the bounty of autumn by using fresh, crisp apples, giving these bars an unparalleled taste.

Essential Ingredients for Apple Walnut Bars

Creating these scrumptious apple walnut bars requires a handful of common pantry staples, plus fresh apples and walnuts. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• Melted Butter: Provides richness and moisture, contributing to the tender crumb of the bars. Using melted butter also simplifies the mixing process.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create that desirable crispy top crust.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder, giving structure to the batter and helping it rise evenly.
• Granny Smith Apples: The star of the show! Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar and adds a refreshing bite. Other firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can also work.
• Walnuts: Offer a fantastic crunch and earthy flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully. They add texture and a nutty depth.
• All-purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the structure of the bars.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents ensure the bars are light and airy, preventing them from becoming too dense.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts, providing a warm, aromatic note that makes these bars so inviting. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: Essential for preparing your baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your baked bars.

For precise measurements, refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Simple Steps to Bake Apple Walnut Bars

Preparing these delicious apple walnut bars is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients. Start by melting your butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated sugar and crack in the large egg. This combination forms the moist base of your batter.

Step 2: Beat Until Well Mixed. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the butter, egg, and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This ensures the sugar dissolves and incorporates air for a tender bar.

Step 3: Fold in Apples and Walnuts. Gently fold the chopped Granny Smith apples and walnuts into the beaten egg mixture. Ensure the apples are evenly coated before moving to the next step. This helps distribute the flavors and textures throughout the bars.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars. The batter will be thick, which is perfectly normal for these apple walnut bars.

Step 5: Prepare and Fill the Baking Pan. Lightly spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the thick apple walnut bar batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the batter reaches all corners for consistent baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the apple walnut bars for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates they are fully cooked through.

Once baked, let the apple bars cool slightly in the pan before slicing. They are truly delicious served as-is, allowing the natural apple and cinnamon flavors to shine. However, for an extra special treat, consider topping them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

For an even more decadent dessert experience, a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the ice cream will elevate these apple walnut bars to an unforgettable level. Perfect for a cozy evening or a celebratory meal!

Tips for Perfect Apple Walnut Bars

• Choose the Right Apples: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, other baking apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, or even a mix of varieties can be used. Avoid overly soft or watery apples.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense bars.
• Chop Apples Evenly: Uniformly chopped apples will ensure they cook consistently throughout the bars.
• Toast Walnuts (Optional but Recommended): For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast your chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the batter.
• Proper Pan Preparation: Always spray your baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, and for extra easy removal, you can line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
• Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is key. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready.
• Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to slice them. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These versatile Apple Walnut Bars can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Classic & Simple: Enjoy them plain with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm bar and cold ice cream is heavenly.
• Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the dessert by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce over the ice cream or directly on the bars.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes for an elegant presentation.
• Nut Variations: Experiment with pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Add Glaze: A simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze drizzled over the cooled bars can add an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.
• Chocolate Chips: For a twist, fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips with the apples and walnuts.

Apple Walnut Bars

Apple Walnut Bars are an easy dessert with all the flavor of apple pie without all the work. With a thin, crispy top layer and rich apple-cinnamon flavor complemented by the crunch of walnuts, this delicious apple walnut dessert is fabulous alone or à la mode.

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition per serving

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