gimme some oven

Look out.  I’m warning you right now that this recipe is addictive…

My roommate, Christin, introduced me to these bars last week.  I was just finishing a 12-hour day of work around 9pm and found a text from her inviting me to try these “new apple bars” when I got home.  Never one to turn down homemade dessert, and super-hungry after a long day, I immediately grabbed one when I walked in the door.  And oh my word.  Looking at the recipe beforehand, I was expecting good.  These were great!!! They are are everything a sweet, fruity, cinnamony, chewy bar should be.

Pretty sure I immediately made a second batch to bring to a choir potluck last night.  Although this time I substituted in white whole wheat flour and added in some nutmeg, and loved the result!  Definitely a great quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing recipe to keep on file.  I’m pretty sure it will be reappearing in my kitchen again verrrrry soon.  :)

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole-wheat flour)
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups packed light-brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Golden Delicious apple, diced into 1/4″ cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Method:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a medium-size bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmg and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, blend together sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla for 3 minutes or until smooth.  Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture; mix for 2 minutes or until just incorporated. Stir in diced apples, raisins and (optional) nuts, and spread into prepared pan.

Bake at 350F degrees for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Ali’s Tip:

This would also be delicious using pears instead of apples!

Source:

Adapted from Family Circle.