We’ve had a bit of a thing for these applesauce spice bars in our household going back several years. I actually made them for the first time it as a junior in college, as I sandwiched recipe-creating sessions between organic chemistry homework and my work-study jobs. (Goodness, I am so glad to be done with college!)
I remember snapping a few iPhone pictures of my handiwork that evening, before running to put on my coat and head to a student comedy show. Just so we can all have a laugh, I just dug through my old files and found one of those pictures:
If you’ve followed me long enough to remember my old food photos, I just want to thank you right now… and apologize… you’re the real MVP.
Needless to say, I think we’re all glad that I’ve practiced my photography since then. It’s a journey, that’s for sure! And although my old food blog is long defunct, these applesauce spice bars are simply too good to keep a secret. I had to share them again.
I’ve made them countless times over the past few years. They’re always a hit, whether I’m cooking for gluten-free folks or not. These bars are quite honestly one of those magical gluten-free recipes that you can’t tell is gluten-free. They’re perfectly sweet and autumn spice-y, with the perfect light, moist crumb.
Sometimes I make them as snack bars and mix in some chopped apple, and sometimes I top them with frosting or powdered sugar for a quick dessert for company. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe.
So, here it is!
One Bowl Applesauce Spice Bars
Makes 9 gluten-free, dairy-free bars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 c. maple syrup or honey*
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 c. all-purpose gluten-free flour**
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 medium or 1/2 large apple, peeled and diced (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350F and grease or line an 8″x8″ square baking tin.
- Mix the applesauce, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and brown sugar. Then, add the eggs and mix well.
- Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and spices. Add all of the dry ingredients at the same time, then mix, to ensure even incorporation into the batter.
- If using, mix in half the diced apple.
- Pour the batter into the greased/lined pan and spread evenly. If using, sprinkle the rest of the apple chunks on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool, then top with desired toppings.***
Notes:
*If you’re using a super thick, sticky honey, melt it in the microwave first for easy mixing!
**I usually bake with our favorite homemade gluten-free flour mix: 6 parts brown rice flour, 2 parts potato starch, and 1 part tapioca starch. Almost any gluten-free flour mix will work, as long as it doesn’t have leavening (baking powder/soda) in it.
***In these photos, the bars are topped with a simple cream cheese frosting. They are also wonderful with vanilla buttercream, powdered sugar, or no topping at all.
But I want to know: what’s something that makes you cringe about your high school/college/younger self? And what’s your ideal autumn dessert?