There is nothing quite like the smell of warm spices filling the kitchen to make a house feel like a home. If you have been looking for the perfect guilt-free treat, you are going to fall in love with these Apple Cinnamon Bars. I developed this recipe specifically for those of us who want that comforting, nostalgic flavor of apple pie without the sugar crash or gluten. Whether you are prepping a healthy snack for the week or looking for a vegetarian dessert that actually tastes indulgent, these bars are about to become your new go-to.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Yields: 9 squares
- Pan Size: 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) brownie pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup (110g) pecans
- 1/4 cup (15g) dried apples (frozen or room temperature)
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/4 cup (57g) butter, softened
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp (1.5g) cinnamon
- 2 tbsp (24g) erythritol
- 1 ½ tsp (6g) baking powder
- 1 tbsp (7g) ground flax seed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure your oven rack is in the center position.
- Grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) brownie pan generously with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Add the 1 cup (110g) pecans, 1/4 cup (15g) dried apples, 1 cup (240ml) water, 1/4 cup (57g) softened butter, 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla, 1/2 tsp (1.5g) cinnamon, 2 tbsp (24g) erythritol, 1 ½ tsp (6g) baking powder, and 1 tbsp (7g) ground flax seed into a high-speed blender.
- Process the mixture on high speed for 30–60 seconds until the batter is completely smooth and no large chunks of pecans or apples remain.
- Pour the blended batter into your prepared brownie pan, using a spatula to smooth the top if necessary.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 20–30 minutes) before slicing, as they need time to firm up structurally.
Nutritional Information
Estimates per serving (1 bar), based on a yield of 9 squares.
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Net Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Chef’s Pro Tips for Success
- The Cooling Phase is Critical: Unlike flour-based recipes, these nut-based bars are very soft when hot. You must let them cool completely in the pan to allow the natural oils and erythritol to set. If you slice them warm, they will crumble.
- Toast the Pecans First: For a deeper, richer flavor profile, lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the blender. This amplifies the nutty taste against the sweetness of the apples.
- Check Your Dried Apples: Ensure your dried apples are pliable, not rock hard. If they are very dry and tough, soak them in the measured water for 10 minutes before blending to ensure a perfectly smooth batter.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a bit of crunch rather than a completely smooth bar, reserve a small handful of pecans and chopped dried apples to fold into the batter by hand after blending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze these Apple Cinnamon Bars? Yes, these bars freeze beautifully. Once they have cooled completely, slice them and wrap each bar individually in parchment paper. Place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter for 30 minutes before eating.
Are these bars suitable for a Keto diet? Absolutely. Because we use erythritol instead of sugar and a base of high-fat pecans, these make excellent low carb cinnamon treats. Each bar has approximately 2g of net carbs, making them a safe dessert for most low-carb lifestyles.
Can I substitute the pecans with walnuts? Yes, walnuts are a great substitute for pecans in this recipe. They have a similar fat content and texture when blended. This is a great way to vary your healthy pecan recipes if you have walnuts on hand.
Do I need to store these in the refrigerator? Since these bars contain fresh water and no preservatives, it is best to store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 5–7 days.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making these Apple Cinnamon Bars as much as I do! They truly are the ultimate gluten-free apple dessert for anyone needing a quick, wholesome fix. Whether you meal prep them as sugar-free snack bars for the kids or save them for a cozy evening treat, this recipe proves that healthy pecan recipes don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. If you are exploring vegetarian baking ideas or need more keto friendly apple bars, this simple blender method is a game changer. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you try it!
