Ever had one of those days where you just need a hug in the form of a heavenly baked treat? Well, say hello to my go-to apple walnut bars, where the warm embrace of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples combine in a way that feels like a cozy fall afternoon, no matter the season!
The wholesome flavor of Einkorn flour is something I adore. It blends ever so nicely with the sweet-sourness of apples and the warm embrace of cinnamon.
My Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars are made with let-’em-melt-in-your-mouth unsalted butter, brown sugar, and toasted walnuts (if you so choose). Oh, and these bars are also packed with protein (5 grams per serving) and a host of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the Einkorn, which is a type of wheat that, in my opinion, is better for you than most modern varieties.
Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe Ingredients
- Einkorn Flour: Ancient grain, nuttier flavor, good source of protein and fiber.
- Butter: Adds richness, helps with texture, contains fats for moisture.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens, adds moisture, imparts a caramelized flavor.
- Cinnamon: Warming spice, provides antioxidants, enhances flavor.
- Apples: Natural sweetness, fiber-rich, adds moisture and tartness.
- Walnuts: Optional crunch, source of healthy fats and omega-3s.
Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup of Einkorn flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Make this Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to bake in. Grab an 8-inch square baking dish and grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the Einkorn flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Whisk the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture until they are combined well.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using) gently.
7. Distribute the batter uniformly across the ready baking pan.
8. Preheat the oven. Then, bake for 25-30 minutes—or longer, if necessary—until the center tests free of batter.
9. Take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack.
10. When they have cooled, cut them into bars and enjoy!
Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 8-inch square baking dish
3. Parchment paper (optional)
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing spoon or rubber spatula
9. Electric mixer or whisk
10. Wire cooling rack
11. Knife
12. Cutting board
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of flour instead of Einkorn flour?A: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour; however, the texture and flavor might differ slightly.
- Q: How should I store the Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars?A: Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for a maximum of two days, or in the fridge for a maximum of one week.
- Q: Can I substitute the apple with another fruit?A: Yes, pears or peaches can be a good substitute, but they may change the flavor and moisture content.
- Q: Are the walnuts necessary, or can I leave them out?A: If you would rather not use them or are allergic to nuts, you can certainly leave the walnuts out.
- Q: Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter?A: You can use margarine as a substitute, but it might change the flavor and texture of the bars.
- Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?Bars are done when golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Einkorn flour: If you can’t find Einkorn, you can use all-purpose flour. Measure the same amount but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
Coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used in equal measure to replace unsalted butter for a vegan option.
Coconut sugar or muscovado sugar can be used instead of brown sugar; just use them in the same amounts.
Sugar in granule form: Replace it with an equal measure of sugar from the cane or the same amount of sugar from maple syrup (but reduce that measure to 3 tablespoons maple syrup), in order to maintain the same consistency in whatever dish you are preparing.
Walnuts that are chopped: Change to use chopped pecans or almonds, if preferred, or do not use them to make a version that is free of nuts.
Pro Tips
1. Even Mixing of Dry Ingredients To ensure the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt are evenly distributed in the flour, consider sifting them together. This will help achieve a consistent texture in your final bake.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them incorporate more smoothly, resulting in a lighter, more uniform batter.
3. Enhance Apple Flavor For an extra burst of apple flavor, you can toss the chopped apples in a tablespoon of lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon before folding them into the batter.
4. Nut Topping For added crunch and visual appeal, reserve a few walnuts to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking. This will give the bars a nice toasted nut topping.
5. Custom Baking Time Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Ovens may vary, so keep a close eye after the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe
My favorite Einkorn Apple Cinnamon Bars Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 8-inch square baking dish
3. Parchment paper (optional)
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing spoon or rubber spatula
9. Electric mixer or whisk
10. Wire cooling rack
11. Knife
12. Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Einkorn flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to bake in. Grab an 8-inch square baking dish and grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the Einkorn flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Whisk the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture until they are combined well.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using) gently.
7. Distribute the batter uniformly across the ready baking pan.
8. Preheat the oven. Then, bake for 25-30 minutes—or longer, if necessary—until the center tests free of batter.
9. Take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack.
10. When they have cooled, cut them into bars and enjoy!