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Cozy Warm Spiced Apple Cider Bars

spiced apple cider bars - featured image
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These bars capture the warm, nostalgic flavor of mulled apple cider in a tender, handheld dessert perfect for fall gatherings. They balance sweet and spice with a soft crumb and a crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) apple cider
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped (Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (30g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 4 cups (960ml) apple cider (for mulled cider)
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • Orange peel strips from ½ orange
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add ½ cup apple cider to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients and then fold in the finely chopped peeled apple until evenly distributed.
  7. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts if using for the topping.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the batter.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are golden.
  10. Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out with parchment paper. Slice into 12 squares.
  11. While bars bake, pour 4 cups apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and honey or maple syrup.
  12. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and mull for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  13. Remove spices and orange peel by straining or using a slotted spoon. Keep mulled cider warm.
  14. Serve bars alongside warm mulled cider.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider for best flavor. Soften butter to ensure a tender crumb. Chop apples finely to avoid soggy bars. Fold ingredients gently to prevent toughness. Tent with foil if bars brown too quickly. Simmer mulled cider low and slow to avoid bitterness. Toast nuts for extra flavor if using.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider bars, spiced apple dessert, mulled cider bars, fall dessert, cozy treats, easy baking, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-warm-spiced-apple-cider-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-mulled-cider-treats/