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Homemade Peanut Butter Apple Bars photo

Peanut Butter Apple Bars

These Peanut Butter Apple Bars are a delightful treat! Sweet, nutty, and fruity, they’re perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars:
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 cups Light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
For the Peanut Butter Glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups Sifted powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
  3. Step 3: Mix in the creamy peanut butter until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract!
  4. Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold in the diced apples, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Step 8: While the bars are cooling, prepare the peanut butter glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Step 9: Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the peanut butter glaze over the top, spreading it with a spatula if desired.
  10. Step 10: Cut the bars into squares, serve them up, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Notes

  • Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the bars soft and chewy.
  • Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
  • For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or a pinch of sea salt on top of the glaze before it sets.