Maple Apple Cake Bars

ByAlexis
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My Maple Apple Cake Bars is a tender spice cake with tart apple. A maple frosting-glaze makes these irresistible. This will be the best apple dessert you make this year!

Maple Apple Cake Bars text overlay with image of three cake bars stacked on a pie plate in front of apples on a wood table

There are so many great flavors for fall. I want to make sure that all of these delicious apple desserts get their time in the spotlight next to all of the pumpkin goodies that are being blasted out into the world right now. I love pumpkin just as much as any girl who loves fall and spiced candles, but I also think apple desserts like Maple Apple Cake Bars are top-notch!

three Maple Apple Cake Bars stacked on a pie plate in front of apples on a wood table

Let's get right to the good stuff. The recipe! I use tart granny smith apples but if you like a sweeter apple, substitute in a fuji or gala apple. Honeycrisp apples are also good because they are semi-tart and crunchy.

In these photos, the glaze is actually a double batch, but I do think I like it better with a thinner glaze with just how I have written the recipe. If you know you like extra glaze, double the glaze portion. If you are wild and crazy like me, make it twice and enjoy it both ways!

Jar of home made apple pie spice in on a table, in front of apples with the Joyful momma logo in the bottom left corner

You can make your own DIY Apple Pie Spice so quickly and easily. Here is my recipe that I use and it makes plenty so you can keep it on hand.. https://www.joyfulmommaskitchen.com/diy-apple-pie-spice/

Maple Apple Cake Bars text overlay with image of three cake bars stacked on a pie plate in front of apples on a wood table

Maple Apple Cake Bars

By Alexis
Tender spice cake with tart apple. A maple frosting-glaze makes these irresistible. This will be the best apple dessert you make this year!
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Ingredients
  

Cake Bars:

Maple Glaze:

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9X9 cake pan with cooking spray.  Set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl and using an electric hand mixer, whip butter and sugar together until light in color and well combined.
  3. Add in the egg, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and apple pie spice.  MIx well.
  4. Fold in chopped apples, flour and apple sauce just until combined. 
  5. Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes.  
  6. In the last 10 minutes of the cake baking, make the glaze.  You will want the warm glaze to be ready to pour on to the warm cake so that it soaks in.  If you like more of a thick frosting, double the glaze recipe and spread the warm frosting over the cooled cake.  
  7. To make the glaze, bring the pure maple syrup to a boil over medium high heat and boil until it reduces to about 4 Tbsp, This takes about 5-10 minutes.  Stir frequently so it doesnt burn.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until it is melted, add in half and half and quickly whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.  Pour over hot cake.  
  9.  

Notes

These cake bars are to die for.  I love them with the thin glaze at breakfast with my coffee and bacon.  I prefer them with a thicker frosting for an afternoon treat with a hot cup of earl gray tea.  
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