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I grew up eating Halvah or Halva (both spellings are correct) candy. It is a Middle Eastern candy and you can find it right in the grocery store. I always had Joyva halvah from the refrigerated section. We’d have it plain, or the marble version or enjoyed chocolate covered halva too. It was a favorite of my dads and I loved it. I didn’t realize until I was a young adult that a lot of people have never had it. Trust me on this, it is a delicious treat. When I became a food blogger, I set out to make my own and have since added three versions to this blog. But, I watched Molly Yeh on Foodnetwork start using it in recipes and I loved the idea. Apparently, she too, grew up enjoying this treat. That’s how these Halvah Apple Bars came to be.

For this recipe, you can use store-bought halvah or try my basic halva recipe and make your own. Either way, you are going to get a rich, delicious and interesting apple bar with this recipe. Now, you know I tend to write healthyish recipes but I always leave a lot of room for treats. I do use lots of ingredient swaps to lighten things up. This recipe is no exception.

Halvah Apple Bars – Ingredient Benefits

These halvah apple bars combine wholesome ingredients with a few indulgent touches for the perfect healthyish treat:

Almond flour – Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease (WebMD). Also provides improved blood sugar control (Healthline).
Whole wheat flour – Adds fiber and essential nutrients. Whole grains are particularly high in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine, and folate, and contain minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese (Healthline).
Apples – Provide natural sweetness and vitamin C for a healthier alternative to processed sugars.
Lemon juice – Adds bright flavor while contributing vitamin C and natural acidity.
Ground cinnamon – Rich in antioxidants and beneficial compounds that may help manage blood sugars, protect against heart disease, and reduce inflammation (Healthline).
Ground cardamom – Known as the “queen of spices,” contains abundant antioxidants that protect cells from damage and stop inflammation from occurring (Healthline).
Nutmeg – A rich source of antioxidants that help protect against signs of aging and serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease (WebMD).
Light butter and sugar substitutes – Lighter alternatives that let you enjoy rich flavors without completely derailing healthy eating goals. I use Land ‘o Lakes Light Butter with Canola Butter and Lakanto Monk Fruit Sugar Substitute (two of my go-to favorites). These simple swaps keeps calories down, and WW points lower. Less saturated fat and less added sugars works for me.
Vanilla extract – Ties all flavors together with its warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour and brown sugar substitute – Create the perfect tender, sweet crumb topping.
Halva – Provides the signature rich, nutty flavor that makes these bars special and indulgent. Use store-bought or make my basic halva.

Possible ingredient substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences and what you have on hand:

Light butter → Regular unsalted butter (use same amount for richer flavor and texture)
Sugar substitute → Granulated sugar (use same amount, though you may want to reduce slightly depending on sweetness preference)
Brown sugar substitute → Brown sugar (use same amount for traditional flavor and moisture)
Almond flour → Additional all-purpose flour (substitute 1:1, though texture will be less tender and nutty)
Whole wheat flour → All-purpose flour (use same amount for a lighter, more traditional texture)
All flours → You can use all-purpose flour throughout the entire recipe if you prefer simplicity or don’t have specialty flours on hand
Vanilla extract → Almond extract (use half the amount for a nuttier flavor that complements the halva)
Apples → Pears or firm stone fruits like peaches (use same amount, adjust cooking time as needed)
Lemon juice → Lime juice or apple cider vinegar (use same amount for acidity)
Spice blend → Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice (use equivalent amount for convenience)

How to make Halvah Apple Bars

To get started, gather all your ingredients together. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and line an 8 by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper and have about a one inch overhang on two sides. This will help you lift out the baked dish when you are done.
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar, vanilla and salt and beat on medium until pale and fluffy. Reduce to low, add both flours and mix to combine. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes, while you make the filling.

For the filling: In a large bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice. Sprinkle in the flour, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and salt and toss to combine. Arrange evenly on top of the crust.

Now make the crumble topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add the butter and mix with your hands until crumbly. Sprinkle all over the apples. Break up the halvah with your fingers and add to the top of the apples.

Bake until the crumbles begin to brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan completely, about one hour and then slice into bars. I cut it down the middle and then cut each half into four bars.

How to serve these apple bars

I like to serve this with some homemade whipped cream but this is perfectly delicious all by itself. The halva adds this nutty, creamy taste and texture to these bars definitely making it stand out from other apple cakes and bars. I love the flavor combos in this recipe and often work with apples in cakes and desserts. If you like that apple desserts too, check out my Irish Apple Cake, and Gâteau Invisible (Invisible Apple Cake) recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is halva and what does it taste like?

Halva is a Middle Eastern treat made from tahini that is similar to fudge, but much better! Halva, from the Arabic ḥalwá for “sweet,” is a beloved Middle Eastern confection found across the world. It has a rich, nutty, sesame flavor with a unique crumbly yet creamy texture that melts in your mouth. If you haven’t had it, you just have to try it, it is so different from anything else you’ve had and hard to explain.

Can I make halvah apple bars without halva?

Yes! While halva gives these bars their signature flavor, you can substitute it with tahini mixed with powdered sugar (2 parts tahini to 1 part powdered sugar), or use crushed sesame brittle, or even omit it entirely for delicious apple crumb bars.

How do I store halvah apple bars and how long do they last?

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars will freeze for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Why are my apple bars soggy or too wet?

Soggy bars usually result from excess moisture in the apples. Make sure to: slice apples thinly and evenly, toss them with lemon juice and a tablespoon of flour before adding to the bars, avoid overpacking the apple layer, and ensure proper baking time until the top is golden brown.

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold their shape, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Gala or Jonagold also work well. Avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious as they may become mushy during baking.

How do I know when the halvah apple bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the top is golden brown, the edges start to pull slightly away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The total baking time is typically 35-45 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The almond flour already provides great texture and moisture for gluten-free baking.

What’s the difference between using sugar substitutes vs. regular sugar?

Sugar substitutes will reduce calories and create a slightly different texture – often more tender but sometimes less caramelized flavor. Regular sugar provides better browning, classic sweetness, and helps create the perfect chewy-crispy crumb topping. I’m a life long Weight Watcher and always looking for ways to cut points in a recipe and eliminate added sugars so I use sugar substitutes often. You can easily use regular sugar (you won’t hurt my feelings!) so you do you!

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double all ingredients and use a larger pan (like a half-sheet pan) or two 9×13 pans. Increase baking time by 5-10 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Why did my halva melt completely into the bars?

This is actually normal! Halva is meant to melt and distribute its nutty, sesame flavor throughout the bars. If you prefer visible chunks, add the halva pieces in the last 5 minutes of baking or use a firmer variety of halva.

How can I make these bars more or less sweet?

For less sweetness, reduce sugar substitutes by 1/4 and increase the lemon juice slightly. For more sweetness, add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after cooling, or drizzle with honey while still warm.

What makes these bars “healthyish”?

These bars use lighter ingredients like almond flour (higher protein), whole wheat flour (more fiber), light butter (reduced fat), sugar substitutes (fewer calories), and fresh fruit, while still maintaining the indulgent taste and texture you crave. BUT, don’t these are a health food…LOL. They are still a treat and in my world, are a delicious indulgence!

Other Middle Eastern Candy Recomendations

If you find yourself loving halva as much as I do, be sure to check out my chocolate covered halva and Israeli tahini halvah recipes. These homemade candy recipes aren’t difficult to make, they just require a good candy thermometer. Then, explore another Middle Eastern candy recipe, and try my Dubai Chocolate Bars. AMAZING!!!

If you liked this recipe, be sure to leave a rating and comment below. Did you make your own halva or buy it? I’d love to know. Looking for other dessert bar recipes? Try some of my other favorites:

Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

Fresh Peach and Pecan Bars

Nut and Seed Snack Bars

Pecan Pie Bars

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Protein Bars