These Applesauce Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the best and moistest bars you’ll ever make, topped with a delectable Cream Cheese Frosting that will make them a favorite in your home.
Today’s Question Is: What Is Your Favorite Holiday Recipe?
It’s hereeeee!!!!! My answer to the question: The best recipe I’ve ever used applesauce in. Bar none.
Plus, because I love my readers, I have a Bonus Tip for iMac users on how to close all open Finder windows @ once! Keep reading for the share!
You guysssss…..I seriously could’ve eaten this entire cake by myself.
These Applesauce Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are sssooo soft, sssooo moist, and sssooo flavorful, they literally melt-in-your-mouth as you’re eating them.
And, that Cream Cheese Frosting? Well, I’m sorry, but you’re going to want to wear it, it’s so good.
Look how moist these are! It makes me want to sink my teeth into them right there on the screen! 🙂
Maybe it’s the moist, melt-in-your mouth flavor of the Cinnamon Applesauce, the irresistible pumpkin pie spices or the rich, decadent, full-on flavor of the Cream Cheese Frosting on top that has a bit to do with that. 🙂
It no matteh!…if the taste is sssooo phenomenal that you want to eat the whole thing in one sitting, I won’t judge.
In fact, we’ll probably be in a fork-fight to see who gets the last bite! 🙂
One little thing…you do not have to do this, but… it’s disclosure time. This particular recipe was made with this homemade Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce. So, your mileage may vary if you use store bought. Just sayin’. Make the Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce first for a sure win!
Bonus Tip ~ Quick Key to Close ALL Open Finder Windows on iMac:
If you’re like me and have TONS of Finder Windows open on your iMac, you can close them ALL at the same time by pressing Command+Option+W on your keyboard.
Mind blown. 🙂
Enjoy!
Applesauce Bars
Ingredients
Bars
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional, if you don't have it in your cupboard)*
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in applesauce. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice; stir into the applesauce mixture until well blended. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a small bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in vanilla, then slowly mix in the confectioners' sugar. Spread over cooled bars before cutting into squares.
Notes
Recipe modified from All Recipes @ Applesauce Bars. Frosting recipe modified from all Recipes @ Cream Cheese Frosting II.
Johlene says
Oh my goodness these look so good!! Thanks for the pumpkin spice recipe too as I would not know where to get it here in Spain.. Happy week!! xoxo
Kristi says
Thanks Johlene ~ these are my new favorite dessert! And, I’m glad you like the pumpkin pie spice recipe… I sometimes forget that everyone doesn’t have the same spices we do! 🙂
TRACY C TISCHER says
Hi Kristi. Your recipe looks perfect for a party that I’m co-hosting. How many does the above recipe serve please? I need to know how much to double or triple the ingredients. Thanks, –Tracy
Dmckisinger says
LOVELY! Thanks for sharing…..
Kristi says
Thank you!
Cassie says
Have you ever multiplied this recipe to make a larger portion?
Kristi says
No, I never have!
[email protected] says
Gahhh! The softness and moistness of these gorgeous bars! And that CC frosting?! I can’t handle it. I want to shove piece after piece of these bars in my face right now. Will you share?! 😉 Pinned!
Kristi says
Hahaha! I read the “Will you share?” comment Sarah, and I have to admit, I paused for a minute. I guess I like these bars better than I thought ~ because I love to share my food, but this one took me a minute. Yes! Yes, I’ll share! Thanks for the pin darling! Have a great week!
ananda says
every fall my favorite thing to do is apple picking at orchards! well kristi you are really getting me itching to go now although it’s hard to find one in SoCal! this looks so so delicious! and love the frosting -more butter less sugar yay!!
Kristi says
Yes to Apple Orchards! Luckily, I just need to step out to my one tree ~ but an orchard would be fun. I could try something other than Granny Smith’s for a change! Have a great day Ananda!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Wow girl, these look amazing – I’ll take that whole batch please 🙂 They look so soft and moist and I just smell the warm spices through my screen! And that cream cheese frosting??? I just want to dive right in and plant my face into those creamy clouds of heaven! Pinned 🙂
Kristi says
Ahhhhh! I’m sssooo glad you want to come through the screen Kelly ~ success! Trust me girl, these are so worth it. Thanks a million for the pin!
marcie says
I could eat this whole cake myself, and you can bet I would use your homemade applesauce recipe too! This looks amazing! Pinning. 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Miss Marcie! 🙂 Yes, I could’ve eaten the whole cake by myself too ~ sigh. I’m going to need to diet soon! Hahaha!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
These bars look incredible! Love that you used applesauce.. it makes baked goods so much more moist, sweet and delicious. I must recreate the recipe, thanks for sharing it!
Kristi says
Thanks Thalia! I hope you love it as much as we did. It seriously became our favorite dessert. It was sssooo moist with the applesauce! Have a beautiful week, my friend!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
My favorite fall recipe just may be these bars, Kristi! I remember my college dining hall had spiced apple bars that were surprisingly delicious (given the bad rap dining halls get!), so I can only imagine how much better your version is. I bet I would LOVE them!
Kristi says
Thanks Alyssa ~ they are definitely our new favorite. They’re seriously just that good ~ and I don’t say that about all desserts!
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says
Wauw Kritsi! How good does this look?! Mmmm…. I totally get why this is your favourite string to make with applesauce. I need this RIGHT now. What a perfect autumn recipe.!
Kristi says
Thanks Josefine! I hope you try them ~ they are amazing. I know, bold statement, right? 🙂
Medeja says
Who could resist that! Looks so good!
Kristi says
Thanks Medeja! Have a great week!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I totally think I could’ve eaten this whole cake by myself too, Kristi! It looks amazing!! I’m loving all of your applesauce recipes so far. I’ve never tried it in bar form, and with this cream cheese frosting, it sounds crazy good! Pinning!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Gayle. This is definitely a recipe I wished I’d made a triple batch! Hahaha! Probably a good thing I didn’t since I would’ve eaten it all myself. 🙂
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
KRISTI!!!!!! This cake. I’m in love! It looks so incredibly moist. And that frosting it looks divine! Pinned. Now I need to brave the slow cooker so that I can make applesauce so that I can make this cake!
Kristi says
Since we’re the same person, you lurve the Slow Cooker. Say it until you mean it!!! Repeat after me – I lurve my Slow Cooker! 🙂 You will love this Lindsey. Hugs!!! And, have a beautiful weekend. So wish you were spending next weekend with me at IFBC!!!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
Omg, looks so good! I can feel all the apple, cinnamon, nutmeg flavors in my mouth just by looking at the pictures! Pinned!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Manali! You will absolutely ADORE this!
[email protected] in the Kitchen says
Oh wow! What a great way to use your applesauce from the last post!! These bars are beautiful!! And they are smotthered in my favorite thing in the whole world: cream cheese frosting!!!! YUM!! (Those blue plates are just gorgeous!!!
Kristi says
That frosting is ssssoooo addictive Renee! I couldn’t stop eating it. Seriously, it’s like an addiction with these delicious bars! 🙂
Lindsay says
This looks absolutely divine, and was the perfect excuse to use some of the apple-pearsauce I made yesterday… soooooo the cake is currently in the oven. 😀 However, I had a question- the cream cheese appears to be missing from the ingredient list for the frosting? How much should I use? Can’t wait to taste the result!!
Kristi says
Gah! Lindsay, thanks for pointing out the omission in the recipe! So so so sorry about that! I just corrected it, so the post is correct now. I hope you love this cake as much as we did. Thanks again for your help! Have a beautiful weekend!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I have to say that I’ve not found a recipe with apple sauce that’s impressed me yet, but this looks so fab! I could just sink my teeth in one right now. And that cream cheese frosting….TDF!
Kristi says
Thanks Tina! This was definitely the moistest cake I’ve ever had in my life, and that frosting is to die for! 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I am beyond in love with these bars! Just printed out the recipe to make next week! YUM!
Kristi says
I’m so glad Pamela. I hope you love it!!!
Judit + Corina @ Glamorous Bite says
Gorgeous, gorgeous bars Kristi! Your frosting is dangerously delicious 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Judit & Corina! That frosting is FABulous! You will love it!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
That cream cheese frosting! It’s calling my name. 🙂 These bars look perfectly moist and delicious. I’ve got to try that slow cooker applesauce, too.
Kristi says
Thanks Kristine! I just picked several pounds of apples today. I wish I could give them to you to make the applesauce and these bars. I have one little apple tree that only knows one word – GIVING!!! Hahahah! Have a great day!
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
Ohhh Kristi – these bars make me want to cry because they’re not in front of me. That cream cheese frosting sounds absolutely delicious! I want these and I want them NOW.
I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend xxx
Kristi says
Thanks Consuelo! The cream cheese frosting was amazing :-). I hope you’re having a beautiful weekend too!
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says
Oh my word, these look phenomenal. I’m not a fan of subbing applesauce in place of butter in other desserts, but when applesauce is the main star, it can be so amazing. I can’t wait to give these bars a try!
Kristi says
Thanks Elizabeth – I hope you give them a try. I think you will love them! 🙂 Have a great Sunday!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Um, I can see this being my new favorite fall recipe!! So amazing looking!
Kristi says
Thanks Ashley – it’s definitely my new favorite! 🙂 Have a beautiful week!
Lisa @ Whisk & Cleaver says
What a great way to showcase fall flavors! I’m going to have to give these a try with my gluten-free flours.
Kristi says
Thanks Lisa! Let me know how they turn out. I’m always up for trying new things and I haven’t yet gotten into the gluten-free cooking – although I know I should!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Wow, talk about changing something good into some great! These bars look amazing and so so moist. I wish we lived near one another and I could help you taste test all these apple recipes 😀 Ya know that’s what friends are for, right? ;D
Kristi says
I would love, love, love to have you live near me Cindy. Boy, that would be t.r.o.u.b.l.e. Hahaha! Fork fights over good eats. I’m in! 🙂
Ella-HomeCookingAdventure says
These look incredible delicious. Would love to try them as you were pretty convincing of how delicious they are.
Kristi says
Try them Ella – I think you’ll love them!
[email protected] says
These apple bars look so moist and delicious! I think they may become my new favorite fall treat! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Christin – they are super moist – you’ll love them!
Ashley says
Come to mama! These look sooooo good Kristi! I love that you paired the applesauce base with that cream cheese frosting … you’re making me want one for breakfast!
Kristi says
Breakfast sounds like a perfect time for these treats Ashley! I wish I had some today. 🙂 Have a great week!
Sara {Home is Where The Cookies Are} says
Ooh, these do look super yummy. And I’m a total sucker for cream cheese frosting. I have a love/hate relationship with eating whole cakes myself!!!
Kristi says
Hahaha! I love that (a love/hate relationship with eating whole cakes}! That cream cheese frosting – I swear, I could eat that by itself, but the Applesauce Bars are amazing too. Gahhhhh! To many choices! 🙂
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Oh, girlfriend! These are spectacular! I’ve been a bit out of the loop lately (and totally missing you and your blog!), and as I started reading through your recent posts to see what I’d missed … well … THIS! THIS gorgeous, decadent, yes-I-want-to-sink-my-teeth-into-my-screen bars of wonderfulness! Totally pinning … totally wishing you’d FedEx me some (instantaneously! 😀 ).
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Shelley! These are definitely sink-your-teeth-into-them worthy. 🙂 Have a beautiful week!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
These look great Kristi!! Love the apple sauce!
Kristi says
Thanks Jessica – they taste amazing too!
Memoria says
I’m planning to make this for a potluck, and I’m going to make it with my most recent batch of crockpot applesauce! I see that you used homemade applesauce as well! It looks delicious. I wonder if it would taste good with reduced-fat cream cheese; I’ve never used it.
Kristi says
Hi Memoria! Most times, when I make these for my family, I do use reduced fat cream cheese because we are eating the entire pan. 🙂 When I make it for guests though, I do make it with regular cream cheese. I would say if you are using reduced-fat cream cheese for the first time, I wouldn’t use it for guests, until you know whether you can tell there’s a flavor difference. Personally, I don’t notice it! But, that’s just my opinion – go with your gut! You will love this recipe – especially if you’ve made your own crockpot applesauce! I know you will love it. These are sssooo moist, and with the cream cheese, they’re absolutely decadent! Have a wonderful time @ your potluck, and come back and let me know what everyone thinks of the Applesauce Bars!
Alyssa says
This cake looks amazing! It looks so moist and I love the cream cheese frosting on top!
Kristi says
Thanks Alyssa! This is one of the moistest cakes I have ever made! We absolutely loved it, and I think you will too! Happy New Year!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Wow, these seriously look amazing. Anything with cream cheese frosting has me drooling. It’s been forever since I used applesauce in baking. Love these!
Kristi says
OMGosh Gina! These were the moistest recipes I’ve ever made! The applesauce makes the biggest difference! Have a happy 2015!
[email protected] Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
Your pictures look amazing! So do these bars!
Kristi says
Thank you Chandra! Happy 2015!
erica says
It is is the oven as we speak! even made the applesauce from our abundant apple tree. Cooked on low overnight and it was perfect in the morning. Not sure what type of apples we have but it’s a blend of a few types. Got out my apple peeler/corer/slicer and made quick work of sevral pounds of apples.
Will update when ready!
Kristi says
Yeah!!! I’m super excited Erica! You will love these Applesauce Bars. They were so moist and flavorful, so I know they’re going to be great. And, I love that you used your own applesauce from your trees! How cool is that? Let me know how you like them! 🙂
Erica says
Delicious! I ate half the batch when it came out. Mine were definitely more of a cake and less of a bar which was fine by me. Frosting is a must!! Thanks!
Kristi says
I’m so glad you loved them Erica! I ate half of them when they came out too. And you’re right – that frosting is fabulous! Have a great week!
Susan says
I tried these this weekend. Mine were also made with homemade applesauce, but with no cinnamon. So I upped the cinnamon in the bar receipe. I also had chunky applesauce.
They were, in a word, DIVINE, and I think may rival my family’s other fall favorite, pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. I doubled the recipe and put it in a 9 x 13 pan. Worked beautifully. Took them to work or woe is me! Totally addictive, not kidding. I can’t decide if I am just a hard-core fall-a-holic or if anything with cream cheese frosting is just over the moon for me.
Kristi says
Thanks Susan! I am so glad you loved them. I love the “fall-a-holic” comment – I need to use that!
Susan says
These are WONDERFUL. I have been an avid baker for 50 years but always like to try new fall recipes (especially). These may be my new favorite, surpassing even pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting or pumpkin crunch cake. I, too, used homemade applesauce, but with no spices or cinnamon, just a mix of apples, water and some apple juice. So I added a bit more spices in the cake. I’ve also doubled it for a 9 x 13 pan to take to events. Huge hit. Definitely a KEEPER. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Kristi says
I’m so glad you loved them Susan – we love them too!
Fully Alive says
I am glad this recipe only makes a small amount! I made these for Sunday brunch – we have a special something every Sunday, and these bars were “it” this week. Something tells me they might be “it” next week, too! Quick, easy and ingredients you probably have on hand. I mixed batter by hand and used hand mixer for frosting so not a lot of clean up. I licked the frosting bowl so it was a really quick clean up! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Kristi says
I’m so glad you like it. It is one of our favorites.
Alyssa says
How much can you make in a batch? 🙂
Debbie says
I’ve made these bars twice in the past two weeks – once for brunch and once for an after dinner treat. They are so easy to stir together by hand and take no time to bake. 8×8 is the perfect size for my household. Delicious with or without the frosting. My other half has to count carbs, so I often offer him a dollop of frosting on the side. He LOVES them plain. I used Apple Pie Spice the second time instead of Pumpkin Spice – not a lot of difference; just as yummy.
Thank you for sharing, and thank you for being clear with the instructions.
Kristi says
I’m so glad you loved them Debbie – they are one of our favorites, for sure!
[email protected] Naturals Ice Cream Home Delivery says
Thanks Kristi for awesome stuff u share with us sweet recipes love every one and applesauce bars cream cheese its really awesome recipes
SCV says
Hi this really good applesauce bar recipe. I made two ways, one just as you have it, and the second one with walnuts and raisins,they were both really good so they say. I didn’t eat the ones with walnuts and raisins I can’t have nuts, but my family was really big fans of them both. I was wondering can you double this recipe, will I have to change the time ,I know I would have to put it in a half sheet or a 9×13 assume. Thank you for the treat and your help.Have a tasty day =D
Roxanne says
I made these applesauce bars with ease. Very moist and yummy. Great anytime of the year, but especially for this holiday season. I will definitely be making these again soon. Thanks for sharing
Lea says
Oh my, I can’t wait to try these. I stumbled onto this gem of a recipe while looking for crafts to make. I love fall, spices, cinnamon, cream cheese. Oh Yes! Thanks for sharing, I’ll be making them soo to share with my guests.
Kathy says
This cake is so moist and flavorful. Instead of the pumpkin pie spice I used 2 tsp of apple pie spice and I made my own applesauce with Granny Smith apples and mashed it so there were still small chunks in it. Everyone loved it. Next time will add golden raisins. Thank you!!
Ki says
I made them and they were really good! I love this recipe!
Stephanie says
Made this yesterday. It is delicious!
sylvia says
I know how to cook. But I am new to the baking world. My question is the recipe. Keep in mind I am new, as far as baking is concerned. You say to use unsalted butter then you also say to add salt. My question is that why can’t you use the regular butter that has the salt in it. Sincerely, Sylvia
Kristi says
Hi Sylvia, you certainly can, but if you use unsalted butter then ADD salt, YOU are the one controlling how much salt is actually in it! I hope this helps.
Karen says
Hi, I have a jar of unsweetened apple sauce. Any idea how much sugar I would need to add?
Veronique says
Very good! Will keep this one in my favourites!
I didn’t do the icing and was still very good!
Thanks for this recipe!