Easy Applesauce Bars
We are bringing on these awesome, old-fashioned Easy Applesauce Bars with a luscious cinnamon spiced cream cheese frosting that you will absolutely love! These epic fall treats are so moist and have just the right amount of spice. Perfect for a party, get-together or an easy go-to after school snack. Watch out, they disappear fast!!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time22 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Keyword: applesauce, bars, cinnamon, cream cheese frosting, fall desserts, retro dessert, spice
Servings: 16 Bars
Calories:
Author: Kim Lange
Applesauce Bars
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
Cinnamon Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon ginger
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Applesauce Bars
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment, lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a bowl, add melted butter, brown sugar, applesauce and vanilla together and mix well. Add flour, baking soda, salt, spices and stir to combine, without overmixing. Batter will be thick.
Pour into prepared pan and spread mixture evenly to edges of pan.
Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Cinnamon Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium mixing bowl, add cream cheese and butter and mix until creamy with whisk or mixer. Add vanilla and spices and gradually add in powdered sugar until fully combined and creamy.
Spread frosting on bars and cut into squares and serve.
Store bars on the counter if they will be eaten in 1 to 2 days. If longer, wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days
These bars can also be wrapped tightly and frozen in individual bags or in a larger freezer container.