Holly's Spiced Applesauce Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the cozy warmth of autumn with Holly's Spiced Applesauce Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a moist, tender dessert bar bursting with fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made with rich unsweetened applesauce and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and spiced. Effortless to prepare in just 45 minutes, they are an ideal treat for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you're craving a comforting dessert. Serve these spiced bars as a standalone indulgence or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for an irresistible seasonal delight. Perfect for fans of easy apple desserts and spiced treats!

Nutriscore Rating: 36/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 113 grams unsalted butter
• 200 grams granulated sugar
• 100 grams packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 240 milliliters unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 200 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 170 grams cream cheese, softened
• 56 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 200 grams powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together 113 grams of softened unsalted butter, 200 grams of granulated sugar, and 100 grams of packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 240 milliliters of unsweetened applesauce and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together 200 grams of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 0.25 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 8

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat 170 grams of softened cream cheese and 56 grams of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.

Step 9

Gradually add 200 grams of powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 10

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 12 bars and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1412.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4768.1

Total Fat 214.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 124.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 932.7mg	0%
Sodium 3198.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 695.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 527.5g
Protein 46.1g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 396.9mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 918.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.4%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 56.9%