Apple cream cheese breakfast bars are a delicious and convenient way to start your day. They are easy to prepare, and you can make them in advance and grab one as you head out the door. These bars are also versatile and can be made with different types of apples, as well as other fruits such as berries or peaches. The addition of cream cheese adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess that complements the tangy flavor of the apples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
- Cool the bars in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting them into squares and serving.
Variations
1. Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Breakfast Bars
For a spicier version of the bars, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the bars before baking to add an extra layer of flavor.
2. Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bars
Swap out the chopped apples for 1 cup of mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. You can use fresh or frozen berries for this recipe.
3. Peach Cream Cheese Breakfast Bars
Instead of apples, use 1 cup of diced fresh or canned peaches. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm and cozy flavor.
Conclusion
Apple cream cheese breakfast bars are a wonderful way to start your day. They are easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, or as a snack anytime throughout the day. Try out some of the variations to find your favorite flavor combination, and enjoy the delicious taste of these bars.
Apple cream cheese breakfast bars are a delicious and healthy breakfast option. They contain the goodness of oats, protein-rich cream cheese and apples that is rich in fiber. These bars are not only healthy but are also budget-friendly and easy to make. In this article, we will take a look at some valuable tips for making apple cream cheese breakfast bars.
Tip 1: Use Old-Fashioned Oats
When making apple cream cheese breakfast bars, it is important to use old-fashioned oats as they hold their shape better when baked. They also contain more fiber and protein than quick oats. The finer texture of quick oats may cause the bars to be crumbly and fall apart. Old-fashioned oats add chewiness and texture to the bars.
Tip 2: Use Applesauce to Cut Down on Sugar
To reduce the amount of sugar in apple cream cheese breakfast bars, you can replace some of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce also gives the bars a moist texture and enhances the apple flavor.
Tip 3: Invest in a Quality Mixing Bowl
A quality mixing bowl is essential when making apple cream cheese breakfast bars. A deep bowl with a sturdy bottom and a comfortable grip will make it easy to mix the ingredients without spilling or breaking the bowl. A high-quality mixing bowl will last longer and give a better experience in making the breakfast bars.
Tip 4: Use Softened Cream Cheese
When using cream cheese in the recipe, it is essential to ensure that it is softened to room temperature. Softened cream cheese mixes well with other ingredients and makes it easier to spread over the apple layer. If the cream cheese is cold, it will be difficult to mix it with other ingredients, making the bars lumpy.
Tip 5: Use Cinnamon to Enhance the Flavor
Cinnamon spice is a great addition to apple cream cheese breakfast bars as it enhances the flavor of the apples. The aroma of cinnamon also gives the bars a pleasant scent while baking. Use a generous amount of cinnamon to get the perfect flavor balance.
Tip 6: Don't Overfill the Pan
When making apple cream cheese breakfast bars, ensure that you don’t overfill the pan. Overfilling the pan may cause the batter to overflow, resulting in unevenly baked bars. Fill the pan with just enough batter to come up to the halfway mark.
Tip 7: Let the Bars Cool Before Cutting
Before cutting the apple cream cheese breakfast bars, allow them to cool completely. Cooled bars are easier to cut, and they also hold their shape better. If you cut the bars while they are hot, they may crumble and break apart.
Tip 8: Store the Bars Properly
To keep the apple cream cheese breakfast bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bars will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Ensure that you wrap the bars well to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Making apple cream cheese breakfast bars does not have to be complicated. By following these valuable tips, you can create delicious and healthy bars that will keep you energized throughout the day. Remember to use old-fashioned oats, unsweetened applesauce, softened cream cheese, and cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Also, don’t overfill the pan and allow the bars to cool before cutting. Lastly, store them properly. With these tips, you can make the perfect apple cream cheese breakfast bars.
