Apple-Pear Blondie Cake Bars — an easy, fruity twist on a classic blondie.
I’ve been juggling a busy week with the kids home for winter break and learning a new camera, so the blog has been a little neglected. I did have some homemade Cardamom Apple-Pearsauce in the freezer and decided to turn it into a quick baked treat: a cross between a blondie and a simple apple cake. The result is soft, slightly spiced bars that are easy to make and perfect for serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The batter comes together quickly in one bowl. Spread it evenly to the edges of the pan with a spatula before baking. These bars turn a golden brown when finished; check the center with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Apple-Pear Blondie Cake Bars
Summary: Transform leftover apple-pearsauce or applesauce into soft, cake-like blondie bars. These are quick to prepare and make a comforting dessert or snack.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 bars
Author: Lisa Huff
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Cardamom Apple-Pearsauce (or applesauce)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the apple-pearsauce, melted butter, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Stir the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using. Do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then cut into 9 pieces.
Notes & Tips
These bars have a soft, cake-like texture rather than the dense chewiness of traditional blondies. For a special serving, warm a bar and top it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Substitutions and variations:
– If you don’t have cardamom apple-pearsauce, use plain applesauce or any thick fruit sauce you have on hand.
– If you prefer no nuts, omit them or substitute butterscotch chips for a sweeter, nostalgic flavor.
– For a stronger cardamom flavor, replace the cinnamon in the recipe with ground cardamom to taste.
Make sure to test the center before removing from the oven; because the batter is moist, the middle can sometimes take a little longer to finish baking. If the edges are browned but the center still appears wet, return the pan to the oven for a few more minutes and check again.
Storage: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore a freshly-baked texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cake bars are excellent served warm with vanilla ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. They also make a portable treat for lunchboxes and picnics.
Keywords
easy pear cake, homemade cake bars, apple pearsauce bars, simple dessert