Best Applesauce Raisin Bars Recipes

Applesauce raisin bars are sweet, chewy, and perfect for a quick snack or a dessert. These bars are easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast option or a decadent treat, these bars are a great choice.

Benefits of Applesauce Raisin Bars

There are many benefits to making and eating applesauce raisin bars. Some of the benefits include:

1. Simple ingredients

Applesauce raisin bars are made with simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. This makes them a convenient snack or dessert option that can be made quickly and without a lot of hassle.

2. Great source of fiber

Applesauce raisin bars contain both oats and raisins, which are great sources of fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, and can also help to regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Versatility

Applesauce raisin bars can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add different fruits, nuts, or spices to change up the flavors and textures. They can be made with gluten-free oats, or different types of flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Make Applesauce Raisin Bars

While there are many variations of applesauce raisin bars, the basic recipe typically includes the following ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, vegetable oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Fold in the raisins.
6. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Cool for 10-15 minutes, then cut into squares.

Ways to Customize Applesauce Raisin Bars

One of the best things about applesauce raisin bars is that they can be customized in so many ways. Here are a few ideas for making your bars unique:

1. Swap out the raisins

If you're not a fan of raisins, you can swap them out for another dried fruit such as cranberries, cherries, or apricots. You could also try adding chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for some extra crunch.

2. Change up the spices

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, you can experiment with different spices. Try adding ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and cozy flavor. Or add some cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.

3. Use different flours

If you're gluten-free, you can still enjoy applesauce raisin bars by using gluten-free oats and flours. You could also try using almond flour, coconut flour, or even chickpea flour for a different texture and flavor.

4. Add chocolate chips

If you're a chocolate lover, consider adding some chocolate chips to your bars. You could also try drizzling melted chocolate on top once they've finished baking for an extra indulgent treat.

In Conclusion

Applesauce raisin bars are a delicious and versatile snack or dessert option. They're easy to make, customizable, and packed with fiber. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can create a unique and tasty treat that you'll enjoy again and again.

Applesauce raisin bars are a perfect snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The combination of tart apples and sweet raisins in a delicious and chewy bar is just what you need when you're craving a healthy and filling snack. Making these bars at home is not only simple, but it also allows you to add your own touch of creativity to the recipe. In this article, we'll discuss some valuable tips that will help you make the perfect applesauce raisin bars at home.

Tip #1: Use Organic Ingredients

When making applesauce raisin bars, it's essential to use high-quality ingredients, preferably organic. Apples and raisins are often treated with pesticides, which can be harmful to your health. Using organic apples and raisins ensures that your bars are free of harmful chemicals and retains their natural goodness.

Tip #1.1: How to Identify Organic Apples and Raisins?

Organic apples have a label with a "USDA Organic" seal on it. Organic raisins should have a label that says "100% Organic" or "Organic." You can also look for non-GMO and fair trade labels to ensure that you're getting the best quality ingredients.

Tip #2: Choose the Right Apples

Choosing the right apples is crucial to the success of your applesauce raisin bars recipe. Some of the best apples for this recipe are:

• Granny Smith - tart and firm apples that add a zing to the recipe
• Honeycrisp - sweet and juicy apples that add a refreshing taste to the bars
• Braeburn - sweet and spicy-flavored apples that work well in this recipe

Avoid using soft or mealy apples as they can turn to mush when baked.

Tip #2.1: Applesauce vs. Fresh Apples

You can either use store-bought unsweetened applesauce or make your own using fresh apples. If you use fresh apples, make sure to peel, core and chop them into small pieces before cooking them. Cooking them down to a sauce-like consistency will take about 20-30 minutes. The choice between applesauce and fresh apples depends on your preference and the time you have.

Tip #3: Use the Right Baking Pan

Using the right baking pan is essential in ensuring that your applesauce raisin bars come out perfectly. A 9-inch square baking dish works well for this recipe. If you don't have a square baking dish, you can use a rectangular one, as long as it's around the same size.

Tip #3.1: Preparing the Baking Pan

Before filling the pan with the mixture, it's essential to grease it well, preferably with unsalted butter or cooking spray. This ensures that the bars do not stick to the pan, making it easy to remove them after baking.

Tip #4: Use the Right Amount of Sugar

The right amount of sugar is essential in making applesauce raisin bars. If the recipe calls for too little sugar, it may result in a bland and tasteless bar. On the other hand, if you add too much sugar, it may be too sweet and unhealthy. A general rule of thumb is to use 1-2 cups of sugar, depending on your preference and the sweetness of the apples.

Tip #4.1: Substituting Sugar

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. However, keep in mind that these sweeteners are more potent than regular sugar, so you may need to adjust the quantity accordingly.

Tip #5: Add Flavorful Spices

Adding flavorful spices is a great way to enhance the taste of your applesauce raisin bars. Some of the best spices that work well in this recipe are:

• Cinnamon - adds warmth and sweetness
• Nutmeg - adds a nutty and warm flavor
• Cloves - add a spicy and warm taste

You can experiment with different spices and quantities to find the perfect blend for your preferences.

Tip #5.1: Toasting the Spices

Toasting the spices before adding them to the recipe can help bring out their flavor. To do this, simply heat the spices in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, stirring continuously until fragrant.

Tip #6: Take Your Time to Mix the Ingredients

It's essential to take your time when mixing the ingredients to ensure that they are evenly distributed. Use a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients first, followed by the wet ones. Mix them well until you get a smooth and sticky mixture.

Tip #6.1: Mixing the Applesauce and Raisins

When mixing the applesauce and raisins, do not overmix. You want them to be evenly distributed, but not mashed up. This ensures that the bars have chunks of juicy raisins and small pieces of applesauce.

Tip #7: Bake the Bars at the Right Temperature

Baking the bars at the right temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven to 350°F before putting the bars in to ensure even baking. The bars will take around 25-30 minutes to bake, depending on your oven.

Tip #7.1: Checking for Doneness

To check if the bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. If it's still wet, leave the bars in the oven for another 5-7 minutes before checking again.

Tip #8: Let the Bars Cool Before Cutting

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting them. This ensures that they set and do not crumble when cut. Once cooled, remove the bars from the pan and cut them into even squares.

Tip #8.1: Storing the Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Making applesauce raisin bars at home is a fun and creative activity. By following the tips mentioned above, you can make the perfect chewy and delicious snack that is healthy and filling. Remember to use quality ingredients, choose the right apples, mix the ingredients evenly, and let the bars cool before cutting. Experiment with spices and sweeteners to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Enjoy your homemade applesauce raisin bars as a snack or dessert and share them with friends and family.