Apple Spice Bars for the Freezer

Since I make a big feast for Thanksgiving, I like to get some things done ahead of time.

I make my cranberry relish a week before and I try and make 2 desserts that will freeze well, so I get that out of the way.

I find that apple cakes freeze beautifully, if wrapped and stored properly.

I don't frost anything or put the glaze on, I leave that for the day I am serving the cake. I wrap the cake tightly in wax paper, then another layer of aluminum foil, then in a large plastic freezer bag, taped up, so I am sure no air is getting inside.

Last year I froze the apple pecan tart for Thanksgiving, and just heated it before serving, so the pastry crust was nice and flaky.

These apple spice bars are like crack. Addictive and scary.

The recipe is from Cathy at Noble Pig. I made them with pecans instead of walnuts, otherwise stuck to the original recipe.

They are fantastic!!!!!!

Apple Spice Bars (courtesy of Noble Pig):

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon apple pie spice*
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 eggs
2 cups golden brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, diced (about 2-3 depending on size)
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts



Whisk together flour, baking powder, apple pie spice, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

With an electric mixer blend butter and brown sugar; about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and blend until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture and blend only until incorporated. Stir in apples, raisins and walnuts.

Prepare a 9 x 13 pan by either liberally coating it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper (as I always do). Spread apple mixture into prepared pan and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

If you lined your pan with parchment, let the bars cool for ten minutes and then lift out of the pan, otherwise wait until bars are completely cool before cutting them into squares before removing.

Sprinkle squares with powdered sugar.

*If you do not have apple pie spice you can make it by combining 1/4 cup ground cinnamon, 1 Tablespoon ground allspice, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 2 teaspoons ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional). Store in an air tight container.