Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Butter Breakfast Bars
Indulge in these delightful Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Butter Breakfast Bars, a healthier take on a classic sweet treat. Perfectly balanced with a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, these bars are enriched with the natural flavors of apple butter and warm spices. Easy to prepare and completely satisfying, they make a great addition to your morning routine or a cozy afternoon snack. Featuring a light glaze made from powdered sugar and apple juice concentrate, these bars are both delicious and guilt-free, making them an ideal choice for those counting their calories. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pack them for a sweet bite on the go!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (measured and sifted)
whole wheat flour
1/2 cup (measured)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (measured)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (measured)
ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
apple butter
3/4 cup (measured)
low-fat milk or buttermilk
1/3 cup (measured)
egg
1 (beaten)
fat-free egg substitute
1/4 cup (measured)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
flaked coconut (optional)
1/3 cup (measured)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
apple juice concentrate
1 tablespoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by coating it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Add the apple butter, low-fat milk (or buttermilk), egg, fat-free egg substitute, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well-combined.
4
If you’re using flaked coconut, gently fold it into the batter at this stage for added texture and flavor.
5
Carefully spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a fork or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, set the pan aside to cool completely on a wire rack.
8
To prepare the glaze, combine the powdered sugar and apple juice concentrate in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
9
After the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting the bars into 10 equal pieces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Butter Breakfast Bars?
They are a healthier take on a classic sweet treat, enriched with natural apple butter flavors, warm spices, and a light glaze.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
A 9x9-inch baking pan is recommended for these breakfast bars.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Coat the pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What types of flour are used in these bars?
The recipe uses a blend of 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
Which leavening agents are included in the dry mix?
The dry ingredients include 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
What spices provide the warm flavor in these bars?
The bars are flavored with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Is salt used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry ingredients.
What is the main liquid flavoring for the batter?
The primary flavoring and moisture come from 3/4 cup of apple butter.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can use either 1/3 cup of low-fat milk or 1/3 cup of buttermilk.
Does the recipe require whole eggs?
The recipe requires one beaten egg and 1/4 cup of fat-free egg substitute.
How much vanilla extract should I add?
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet mixture.
Is coconut a mandatory ingredient?
No, 1/3 cup of flaked coconut is optional and can be folded in for added texture.
How should I mix the batter?
Beat the mixture with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well-combined.
When should I add the optional flaked coconut?
Gently fold the coconut into the batter after the wet and dry ingredients are mixed but before baking.
How do I ensure the bars bake evenly?
Use a spatula to carefully spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared pan.
How long do the apple butter bars bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 20 minutes.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when a fork or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Where should the bars cool?
Set the pan aside to cool completely on a wire rack.
What ingredients are needed for the glaze?
The glaze is made from 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of apple juice concentrate.
How do I prepare the glaze?
Combine the powdered sugar and apple juice concentrate in a small bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy.
When should I apply the glaze?
Drizzle the glaze over the top after the bars have cooled completely.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to be cut into 10 equal pieces.
Are these bars suitable for a healthy snack?
Yes, they are described as a healthier, guilt-free take on a classic sweet treat.
Should the flour be prepared in a specific way?
The all-purpose flour should be measured and sifted, while the whole wheat flour is measured.
Is the powdered sugar sifted for the glaze?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar for the glaze.
Can I eat these bars immediately after glazing?
It is recommended to allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
What makes these bars easy for meal prep?
They are quick to bake and can be packed for a sweet bite on the go.
Are these bars good for breakfast?
Yes, they make a great addition to your morning routine or as a cozy afternoon snack.