Apple Cake Bars (100% whole grain)

These 100% whole grain cinnamon apple squares are the kind of snack cake that feels like home. They’re simple to make, made with pantry staples, and filled with soft apple chunks and warm cinnamon.

The texture is just right – not dense or gummy like some whole wheat treats can be. And even though they’re made with wholesome ingredients, they don’t taste “healthy” in that way people try to politely avoid. They’re just plain good.

This is one of those cozy desserts that works any time of year, but especially during the cooler months when you want the kitchen to smell like cinnamon and apples. The squares are soft and moist, thanks to a good amount of applesauce and oil, and the cinnamon sugar topping gives each bite a sweet little crunch.

They don’t require a mixer, they use just one bowl, and they’re ready for the oven in about 10 minutes.

What’s to Love

• Wholesome but indulgent – made with whole wheat flour, apples, and applesauce, these bars are better-for-you but still feel like a treat.
• Quick and easy – no mixer required, and everything comes together in a single bowl.
• Perfect texture – soft, moist, and slightly cakey with juicy apple bits in every bite.
• Freezer-friendly – stash extras away for later and enjoy a ready-to-go snack whenever you want.
• Great for sharing – they pack and travel well, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or gifting.

Ingredient Notes

Please scroll down for the full recipe! These are just notes on select ingredients.

• Whole wheat flour – white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour works just as well. Whole spelt also works!
• Apples – firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. Avoid soft varieties that will turn mushy.
• Oil – use a neutral oil like light olive oil or vegetable oil for best results. Refined coconut oil also works if melted and cooled slightly.
• Cinnamon – a generous amount gives the bars a warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you’d like a spicier profile.

Tips for Success

• Use crisp apples – soft apples can break down too much and make the bars soggy.
• Don’t overmix – stir just until the batter is combined for the best texture.
• Cool before cutting – the squares slice more cleanly and hold their shape better once fully cooled.
• Double for a crowd – this recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a group. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time slightly.

How to Make Ahead and Store

• Make ahead – the bars keep well for a couple of days at room temperature, making them ideal to bake in advance.
• Room temperature storage – store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll stay moist and soft.
• Freezer option – freeze cooled bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Apple Cake Bars (100% whole grain)

Author Erin Dooner

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

These whole grain apple cake bars are super moist and full of cinnamon apple goodness!

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Ingredients

Squares:

• ▢ 1 cup (237 ml) whole wheat or whole spelt flour
• ▢ 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
• ▢ 1/4 cup (54 grams) olive oil or canola oil
• ▢ 1/4 cup (31 grams) unrefined sugar or brown sugar
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) apple peeled and chopped

Topping:

• ▢ 4 teaspoons unrefined sugar or granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ 1/3 cup (79 grams) caramel optional

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8″ x 8″ pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.
  1 cup (237 ml) whole wheat, 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
• In a large bowl, mix together the honey, olive oil, and sugar.
  1/4 cup (85 grams) honey, 1/4 cup (54 grams) olive oil, 1/4 cup (31 grams) unrefined sugar
• Add the egg and vanilla and mix until well combined.
  1 egg, 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Add the dry mix to the wet mix, stirring just until combined. It will be very thick!
• Add the apples and stir, just until combined.
  1 1/2 cups (188 grams) apple
• Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
• Mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle over the batter.
  4 teaspoons unrefined sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• Let cool completely, about 1 hour, and drizzle the caramel over the top.
• Cover and store at room for up up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

• The first time I made this, I made it with 2/3 cup unrefined sugar and no honey. This was also excellent, so make it however you prefer.
• The nutritional info includes the optional caramel.

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 0.3mgNet Carbs: 17

Tried this recipe?Tag me today! Mention @texanerin or tag #texanerin! Thanks. 🖤