These vegan apple bars are warmly spiced, sweet, and chewy. They have all the flavor of apple pie, but they’re much easier to make and more nutrient dense. These delicious treats are perfect for fall.
What to serve with these vegan apple bars
If you’re adding these apple bars to a fall-themed dessert table, consider including this pumpkin spice hummus too. It’s delicious served with apple slices for dipping.
Ingredients and substitutions
You can use any type of apples you like in these bars. I used Honeycrisp this time but Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or any other variety of apple will work.
Smooth almond butter adds nutrients to these bars and gives them a satisfying, chewy texture. For a nut-free version you can substitute pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter. Either way, be sure to use a nut or seed butter with no added sugar or salt.
I sweetened these bars with maple syrup. You can substitute other liquid sweeteners such as agave if you prefer.
Whole wheat flour adds fiber, nutrients, and a warm flavor to these apple squares. You can substitute all purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
These bars are warmly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. Use pure vanilla extract as opposed to artificial vanilla flavoring if possible.
How to make them
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then add the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to a mixing bowl, then use a whisk to mix well.
Add the chopped apples and whole wheat flour, then use a spoon to mix until combined.
Transfer the batter to an eight inch, square baking pan lined with parchment paper, then wet your fingers with cold water and smooth the batter into an even layer (wetting your fingers make it much easier to do this without getting too sticky).
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes. Be sure to let the bars cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Optional additions
To give these bars an extra layer of flavor and texture, stir half a cup of raisins or chopped pecans into the batter.
Storage and freezing
Store these vegan apple bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze them for up to six months.
More apple recipes to try
- These sauteed cinnamon apples are delicious used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
- These apple muffins with coconut flour are quick and easy to make.
- These vegan applesauce muffins are sweet, moist, and flavorful.
Vegan Apple Bars
Equipment
- 8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or substitute all purpose flour)
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apples
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to a mixing bowl, then use a whisk to mix well.
- Add the chopped apples and whole wheat flour, then use a spoon to mix until combined.
- Transfer the batter to an eight inch, square baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Wet your fingers with cold water, then use your fingers to press the batter into an even layer.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store these vegan apple bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze them for up to six months.
Nutrition
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- These vegan crispy baked cauliflower bites are perfect for picky kids.
- This oven baked asparagus recipe is easy, nutritious, and flavorful.
- This pasta with lemon and basil is a quick and delicious dinner or lunch idea.