These Invisible Apple Bars are a cozy twist on classic apple cake — layers of impossibly thin apples that seem to melt right into a tender, cinnamon-scented batter.
Each bite is moist, warm, and filled with comforting fall flavor.
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds the perfect sweet crunch, while a silky maple cream cheese drizzle makes them truly unforgettable.
Reminiscent of Jewish apple cake, these bars celebrate everything you love about apple desserts — the fruit-forward flavor, the gentle spice, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or cozy weekends, this easy apple dessert bar recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Apples: The star of the show! Thinly sliced apples melt into delicate layers, creating a moist and tender texture throughout the bars.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning while enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and a soft crumb, balancing the warm spices beautifully.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the bars soft and flavorful.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly while helping the top bake to a golden finish.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, giving the bars a light, custard-like texture.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the batter for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm apple and spice flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a tender cake base that supports the layers of apples.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that make the bars cozy, aromatic, and perfectly fall-inspired.
- Baking Powder: Gives the bars a gentle lift without making them too cakey.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor in the mix.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon & Salt: A simple mix that bakes into a crisp, golden crust — adding texture and sweet, spice.
- Maple Cream Cheese Icing
- Cream Cheese: Brings creamy tang that pairs perfectly with sweet apples.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, glossy icing.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the apple-cinnamon flavors.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the maple flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top instead of the maple drizzle
- Try subsitituting your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour in this!
- Try this recipe with pears instead!
- Use almond extract and top with sliced almonds for a nutty, elegant twist.
- Add raisins and chopped nuts into the batter for that chewy, nutty vibe!
Pro Tips
- Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream!
- Use a mandoline slicer if available to make those apples very thin.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store at room temperature, covered for 3-4 days
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Let’s engage!
Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Invisible Apple Bars
Ingredients
- 4 apples peeled and sliced very thin
- Juice of 1 orange
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 c. Light brown sugar
- 1/2 c. Granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 c. whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 3/4 c. Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Maple Cream Cheese Icing (optional)
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/3 c. powdered sugar sifted
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and place parchment paper in a 8×8” baking pan. Set aside.
- Peel and slice 4 apples very thin (use a mandoline if you have one—just be VERY careful). Add apples to a large bowl and squeeze the juice of 1 orange on top. Stir.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugars, and eggs. Then add in whole milk and vanilla extract, whisk until combined.
- Add in remaining dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Pour batter over apples and stir until coated very well. Make sure the apples are separated and all coated well.
- This step gets messy, but use your hands to layer and arrange the individual apple slices. Once they all arranged, add the remaining batter on top and press down lightly on the apples. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the guar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Sprinkle the sugar mix on top of the apple cake.
- Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes.
- Once baked, let cool.
- While cooling, make the icing if you plan to use it. Cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined well. Then add in maple syrup while beating on low. Add a pinch of salt and beat again for 1-2 minutes. Drizzle or pipe the icing on top of the cooled cake.
Notes
Invisible Apple Bars | Apple Recipes | Apple Recipe | Maple Cream Cheese Icing | Fall Recipes | Fall Desserts | Desserts | Sweet Tooth | Cake | Cake Recipe | Jewish Apple Cake | Baking | Autumn Recipes | Apple Season | Apple Cake | Cozy Recipes | Moist Cake | Dessert Recipe
Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.