Apple Cider Doughnut Chaos Bars (Print Version)

Soft apple-cider bars swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with buttery streusel for autumn indulgence.

# Components:

→ Doughnut Bar Base

01 - 1 cup apple cider
02 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

12 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Streusel Topping

14 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
16 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Glaze

19 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
20 - 1–2 tablespoons apple cider

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal of the finished bars.
02 - In a saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to 1/4 cup. Allow it to cool.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
04 - In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider until the mixture is smooth.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until they are fully combined.
06 - Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl; sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and gently spread it to cover. Top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
07 - For the streusel topping, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Incorporate the cold, cubed unsalted butter by rubbing it in with your fingers or using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Distribute this evenly over the top layer.
08 - Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the top exhibits a golden-brown hue.
09 - Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan. To prepare the glaze, stir the powdered sugar with apple cider until a smooth consistency is achieved. Drizzle this over the cooled bars before cutting them into individual portions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 1 hour from start to finish
  • Features concentrated apple cider for authentic flavor
  • Three distinct layers create an incredible texture experience
  • Makes your kitchen smell like a fall bakery
02 -
  • These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld
  • The concentrated cider is essential for authentic flavor do not skip this step
  • Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday dessert tables
  • Can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months
03 -
  • The secret to the perfect texture in these bars is patience. Allow them to cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
  • If you drizzle the glaze, do so just before serving for the most attractive presentation.
  • And remember, the streusel should be somewhat lumpy before baking those uneven pieces create the perfect textural contrast that makes these bars so addictive.

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