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–+ servings
Crunch Top Applesauce Bars
These Crunch-Top Applesauce Bars are a cozy, spiced dessert packed with classic fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made with applesauce for moisture and studded with raisins and nuts, the bars are baked in a jelly roll pan and topped with a buttery cornflake and nut streusel for a delightful crunch. This mid-century American recipe captures the rustic simplicity and warmth of homemade treats often served at coffee time or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 242 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bars:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 dash cloves
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup seedless raisins
  • ¼ cup nuts (chopped )
  • 1 tsp vanilla

For the Topping:

  • ⅔ cup corn flakes (crushed )
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup nuts (chopped )
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Batter

  • Cream together sugar and shortening until smooth.
  • Add applesauce and mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until combined.
  • Fold in raisins, nuts, and vanilla.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

  • Grease a 15½ x 10½ x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
  • Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes, sugar, and chopped nuts.
  • Cut in butter until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle topping evenly over the batter.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until golden and set.
  • Cool in the pan. Cut into bars.

Tips

  • Toast the nuts lightly before adding for deeper flavor
  • Use chunky applesauce for extra texture
  • Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warmer spice profile
  • Substitute walnuts or pecans for the mixed nuts
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
  • Line the pan with parchment for easier removal
  • Let bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices
  • Double the topping if you like extra crunch
  • Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days
  • Refrigerate for longer storage and firmer bars

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 101mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 27IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
Keyword applesauce dessert, crumb topping, fall baking, family favorite, retro recipe, snack bars, vintage baking
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