Stress Relief Applesauce Bars: A Comforting Treat

Warmly spiced and perfectly sweet, these Stress Relief Applesauce Bars are a comforting treat that’s as soothing to make as it is to eat. Filled with cozy spices, applesauce, cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, these soft bars are topped with a buttery vanilla glaze for a treat that’s ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy fall dessert.

If you enjoy our Cinnamon Oat Bars or Spiced Pumpkin Muffins, this recipe will bring even more calm and flavor to your baking repertoire. They’re easy, wholesome, and sure to become a go-to favorite.

What Are Stress Relief Applesauce Bars?

Stress Relief Applesauce Bars are moist snack bars made with applesauce, whole wheat flour, warming spices, and add-ins like Craisins and walnuts. Finished with a light glaze, these bars are the perfect combination of nutritious and delicious. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these bars may just melt stress away with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Here’s why you’ll want to keep these bars on hand:

• Comforting and flavorful: Packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Wholesome ingredients: Includes whole wheat flour, applesauce, and nuts.
• Easy to make: Simple steps, minimal mess.

Perfect for snacking, gifting, or relaxing with a hot beverage.

How to Make Applesauce Bars

Quick Overview

Cream the butter and sugar, stir in the rest of the ingredients, bake, glaze, and enjoy—easy as that!

Ingredients:

Bars:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger and nutmeg
• 1/2 cup Craisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Icing:

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the Batter: Cream together butter, brown sugar, and egg. Mix in applesauce until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flours, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir into the wet mixture.
4. Add Mix-Ins: Fold in Craisins and walnuts.
5. Bake: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
6. Make the Icing: In a bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
7. Glaze and Garnish: Spread icing over cooled bars. Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts if desired.
8. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

What to Serve with Applesauce Bars

These bars are wonderful with hot tea, coffee, or warm cider. Serve them as an afternoon snack, a brunch dessert, or a thoughtful treat for a friend.

Top Tips for Perfect Bars

• Use unsweetened applesauce: Helps control sweetness.
• Cool before icing: Prevents glaze from melting.
• Mix gently: Don’t overwork the batter.
• Toast the walnuts: Adds extra crunch and flavor.
• Chill to set: Refrigerate bars briefly for firmer texture and cleaner cuts.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. These bars also freeze beautifully—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes—use a gluten-free flour blend in place of both flours.

Can I use dried apples or raisins? Absolutely! Mix and match dried fruits to suit your taste.

Can I skip the icing? Sure! The bars are still delicious on their own.

Is this good for meal prep? Yes—great for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox treats.

Can I make them vegan? Swap butter for plant-based margarine and use a flax egg.

Conclusion

These Stress Relief Applesauce Bars are the ultimate cozy snack—wholesome, flavorful, and topped with a sweet glaze that soothes the soul. Whether you’re baking for stress relief or simply for the joy of it, this easy recipe is sure to bring comfort and smiles.