Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly moist, warmly spiced bar that combines the comforting sweetness of applesauce with a luxurious pecan praline topping. These Applesauce Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof dessert promises to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt to create a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with applesauce. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- For the pecan praline topping, combine brown sugar and cream in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
- Remove the praline mixture from heat and stir in chopped pecans until well combined.
- Pour the pecan praline topping evenly over the applesauce bar batter in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour before cutting into 12 bars.
- Serve at room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For extra moisture, use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar levels.
- Toast the pecans briefly before adding to the praline topping to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Check doneness with a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain their shape.
- For a professional presentation, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat bars.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
