Holly’s Spiced Applesauce Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

The scent of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves immediately transports me back to my childhood kitchen. My mom, Holly, would always be bustling around, her hands dusted with flour, and the oven radiating a comforting warmth. These spiced applesauce bars were a constant presence at family gatherings, potlucks, and especially during the fall. Each bite was a hug from home, a sweet reminder of laughter, love, and the simple joy of sharing good food with those you cherish. To this day, the aroma alone can bring a smile to my face.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Servings: 18-24
• Yield: One half sheet pan
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 cup shortening
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 eggs, beaten well
• 3 3/4 cups applesauce (I use unsweetened)
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 teaspoons allspice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
• 2 1/4 teaspoons cloves
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

For the Frosting:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 lbs powdered sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla

Equipment Needed

• Half sheet pan (18 x 13 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

2. Grease a half sheet pan thoroughly with shortening or cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easy to remove after baking.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb.

4. Add the beaten eggs to the creamed mixture and mix well until fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.

5. Gradually add the applesauce to the mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can result in tough bars.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared half sheet pan and spread it evenly with a rubber spatula.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.

10. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important, as warm bars will melt the frosting.

Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature to prevent lumps.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Be sure to sift the powdered sugar to avoid any clumps in the frosting.

3. Add the vanilla and mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

5. Cut the bars into rectangle shapes, approximately 1 1/2″ by 3″.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an even richer flavor, use brown butter in the frosting. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a nutty brown color. Let it cool slightly before using.
• If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for the cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
• To prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, line the pan with parchment paper before greasing it. This will also make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan after baking.
• If you want to add some texture to the bars, stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter before baking.
• For a tangier frosting, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the cream cheese frosting.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These spiced applesauce bars are delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They are perfect as a snack, dessert, or even as part of a brunch spread.

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting will soften at room temperature, so it’s best to keep them chilled.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	650 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	27g	41%
Saturated Fat	12g	61%
Cholesterol	76mg	25%
Sodium	296mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	98g	32%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	62g	N/A
Protein	6g	11%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You might need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the structure.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free cream cheese. There are many good options available now that mimic the taste and texture of traditional dairy products.
• Spiced Apples: Add diced apples to the batter for a chunkier bar. Use varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Maple Syrup: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a warmer, more complex sweetness. Reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup for every 1/2 cup of maple syrup added.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought applesauce?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought applesauce works just fine, especially unsweetened varieties. If using sweetened applesauce, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly.

Q: Can I make the bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them at room temperature, well-covered. Frost them just before serving for the best results.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can become dry.

Q: Can I freeze the frosted bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the frosted bars, but the frosting may change texture slightly upon thawing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing for best results.

Q: What can I substitute for shortening?
A: You can use softened butter or coconut oil as a substitute for shortening. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the bars may change slightly depending on the substitution.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Holly’s Spiced Applesauce Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And most importantly, share these bars with the people you love. Their warm, comforting flavors are best enjoyed in good company. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. Enjoy!