Easy Applesauce Bars with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

5 from 10 votes

Easy Applesauce Bars with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Easy Applesauce Bars with peanut butter cream cheese frosting are soft, cake-like bars with a hint of spice. This simple recipe makes perfect fall treat or easy dessert!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Cooling TIme30

Total Time55

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Dee

Cost: $10

Ingredients

Bars

¾ cup all purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon sea salt
⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs, beaten

Frosting

3 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Heat oven to 350℉
Mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.
Stir in the applesauce and eggs, and beat with electric mixer on medium speed until fully combined.
Pour the batter into an ungreased 13 X 9 inch baking dish, and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
Allow bars to cool completely.

Frosting Instructions

Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer on medium speed until soft and creamy
Add the peanut butter, and mix until combined
Mix in the maple syrup and milk
Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting on low speed. Mix on medium speed until frosting is smooth and creamy
Spread frosting on top of the cooled bars, and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Be sure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.

You can omit peanut butter for plain cream cheese frosting. These bars are also good when topped with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting or plain.

Store frosted applesauce bars in the refrigerator.

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