Autumn Spiced Applesauce Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn with these Autumn Spiced Applesauce Delight Bars. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, these bars are incredibly moist and dense, bursting with the warm spices of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with the wholesome goodness of unsweetened applesauce. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a rich, tangy contrast, these bars are sure to be a crowd favorite! Baked in a half sheet pan, they are easy to cut into generous servings for sharing.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shortening
1 cup (softened)
Sugar
2 1/4 cups (granulated)
Eggs
3 (beaten well)
Applesauce
3 3/4 cups (unsweetened)
Flour
4 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
Cinnamon
3 teaspoons (ground)
Allspice
3 teaspoons (ground)
Nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Cloves
2 1/4 teaspoons (ground)
Baking Soda
2 1/4 teaspoons
Butter
3/4 cup (softened)
Cream Cheese
12 ounces (softened)
Powdered Sugar
1 1/2 lbs
Vanilla
3 teaspoons (extract)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a half sheet pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add the beaten eggs and mix until well combined.
4
Slowly incorporate the applesauce into the mixture, stirring until fully blended.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
10
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
11
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
12
For serving, cut into rectangular bars approximately 1 1/2 inches by 3 inches, as tradition dictates!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Autumn Spiced Applesauce Delight Bars?
They are moist and dense dessert bars flavored with autumn spices and unsweetened applesauce, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
What type of pan is required for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be baked in a half sheet pan.
What is the baking temperature for these bars?
The oven should be preheated and set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long do the bars need to bake?
The bars should bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Should I use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 3/4 cups of unsweetened applesauce.
What spices are used in the Autumn Spiced Applesauce Delight Bars?
The bars are seasoned with ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The cream cheese frosting consists of softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
How should the eggs be prepared?
You should use 3 eggs that have been beaten well before adding them to the mixture.
Does the shortening need to be softened?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of softened shortening to be creamed with the sugar.
What kind of flour is best for these bars?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease the half sheet pan before pouring in the batter to prevent sticking.
What is the traditional way to cut these bars?
Tradition dictates cutting them into rectangular bars that are approximately 1 1/2 inches by 3 inches.
Can I frost the bars while they are still warm?
No, you must allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before spreading the frosting.
What is the leavening agent used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking soda as the leavening agent.
How much sugar is required for the batter?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the frosting?
You will need 1 1/2 pounds of powdered sugar to make the cream cheese frosting.
How much cream cheese is used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much butter is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 3/4 cup of softened butter.
What is the first step in making the batter?
The first step is to cream together the shortening and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should the dry ingredients be combined?
Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients.
How should the dry and wet ingredients be mixed?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until they are just combined.
What is the texture of these bars?
These bars are described as being incredibly moist and dense.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract in the frosting.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
There are 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon used in the bar batter.
How much allspice is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of ground allspice.
How much nutmeg is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.
How much cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 teaspoons of ground cloves.
What is the best way to cool the bars?
Allow them to cool completely in the pan while sitting on a wire rack.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, these bars are inspired by a cherished family recipe.