These sweet spiced apple bars get a little salty hit from adding in some shredded cheddar, creating a mostly sweet, slightly salty bite!
It's definitely not a combination you see in too many desserts but apples and cheddar are a frequent combination on charcuterie boards! I find these bars to be a little be irresistible - I keep going back for that sweet and salty combo!
- 2 Honeycrisp Apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground Korintje Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons shredded medium cheddar (we use Vermont Farmstead Governor's Cheddar)
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8"x8" baking dish and set aside until ready.
Spiced Apples: In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and add diced apples. Let cook over medium low heat for about 2 minutes, then add brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt and ground black pepper. Cook for 10-15 more minutes or until apples are fork tender. Set aside to cool.
Bars: In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and beat until fully incorporated. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat in gradually to butter mixture until mixed in. With a spatula, stir in cooked apple mixture and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar. Spread bar mixture in prepared dish and sprinkle with remaining 2 tbsp shredded cheddar.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until deep golden brown on top. Let cool completely then cut into squares and enjoy.
the spiced apples can be made in advance and refrigerated for 1-2 days prior to making the bars.
