Apple Pie Bars

I was trying to keep the grocery list a little shorter this week, so I went looking for  breakfast/snack/dessert bar recipes that contain few ingredients, and ones that I already have in the kitchen.  I also wanted something fruity versus chocolatey.  These bars looked perfect, as they only contain 5 ingredients.  The recipe only makes a small batch, but you could easily double it if looking to take it to a gathering (or to freeze for later).

I couldn’t resist sticking my finger in the bowl for a sample of the “batter” after the bars were in the oven and before I washed the bowl.  I was immediately glad that I had put the pan in the oven, because I probably would’ve just taken a spoon to the bowl and just started eating the batter raw.  The next time I make these I might just spread the batter in the pan, put it in the freezer to solidify, and cut it and eat it as a no-bake bar.  The apple flavor is much stronger when it is not baked.  The bars are still good baked, I just always like to experiment a bit after making something for the first time.  You could always make a batch each way and see which is your favorite.

The original recipe came from:

http://thebigmansworld.com/2015/10/23/healthy-four-ingredient-flourless-apple-pie-blondies/

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

-1/2 cup almond, peanut, or cashew butter (I used peanut butter)

-1/4 cup coconut flour

-3-4 Tbsp pure maple syrup

-1 Tbsp apple pie spice

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease or line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.  In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix very well until a very thick batter is formed. Transfer to the greased baking dish and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes (mine were in for ~24 min. but I like my bars a little undercooked), or until the tops are golden.  Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  Sprinkle some more apple pie spice on the top if you wish.  Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing.  Keep refrigerated.

To me the nut butter did not have an overwhelming taste in these bars.   The nice thing about them is that there doesn’t seem to be one dominant flavor in them, and they are not overly sweet.  These would be good any time of day in my opinion.  Something different from all of those Christmas/New Year’s cookies, chocolates, pies, etc…  🙂