Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Apple Squares

Teresa Ambra

Apple Squares are a wonderful cake-type cookie bar with pecans. They are quite wonderful to the taste buds and a dessert that fruit lovers will truly enjoy. The original recipe calls for a crust layer and then the apple layer on top. (That’s an excellent way to make this recipe). I decided to combine all the ingredients this time and bake them into a bar. I was short on time and needed to get them in the oven quickly.

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I’ve actually made Apple Squares both ways in the past and I’m not sure which I like better. They’re both great ways to make and serve this scrumptious dessert. After baking, I sprinkle a dusting of confectioners’ sugar over top of the bars before serving. These lovely, elegant bars are an excellent choice for any kind of dessert option. I also like them for breakfast!

Years ago I found this recipe on the Internet when it was still in its very early days. The person who submitted it mentioned that it was a former Pillsbury Bake-Off Winner years ago. Apple Squares are good plain served with powdered sugar (like I’ve done). They can also be served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream as well. Either way is quite tasty.

If you’re looking for a tasty dessert and want to use up some apples and pecans this is a great recipe to try! I mixed all the ingredients together and baked them for these pictures. I also offer the instructions for making this a two-layer bar like the original directions note. These bars improve in taste after a day or so, so try not to gobble them all down right away!

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Apple Squares are delicious for dessert or breakfast!

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

This close up shows the apples and pecans in the recipe. This bar has a lot of crunch from the nuts and apples.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Cinnamon adds a nice taste. These bars actually increase in flavor if they sit out a day. Sprinkle Apple Squares with powdered sugar before serving.

Here’s what I did.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Mix brown sugar, butter, egg, sour cream, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and vanilla.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Add UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods), apples and pecans or walnuts.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Stir to combine.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Spray 9×13″ baking dish with cooking spray. Smooth apple mixture into prepared dish.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Cool Apple Squares. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Cut into bars to serve.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

These taste great with vanilla ice cream on top, as well.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Don’t Apple Squares look marvelous? We really enjoyed this fruity dessert.

Here’s the recipe.

APPLE SQUARES

(Recipe adapted from a Pillsbury Bake-Off Winner)

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Apple Squares

Teresa Ambra
Tasty dessert recipe with apples, sour cream and pecans. The squares are great sprinkled with powdered sugar and then dolloped with vanilla ice cream to serve. These scrumptious treats are delightful for tailgating parties, potlucks, family reunions, backyard barbecues or fall baking. If you enjoy apple desserts, you'll drool over these sweet treats.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 198 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped
  • 1 sharp knife to peel and dice apples

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 2 cups light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (measure after chopping)
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt or sea salt
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Icelandic or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 heaping cups apples peeled and finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, baking soda, salt and cinnamon with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Stir in flour, apples and nuts.
  • Spray a 9x13” glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Pour apple filling into dish.
  • Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes.
  • Cool before cutting.
  • Best if you let wait 24 hours before cutting.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar before cutting.
  • Store loosely covered.

Notes

NOTE: The original recipe calls for the recipe to be made this way: Combine flour, brown sugar and butter and blend at low speed until mixture forms fine crumbs. Stir in nuts. Place 2 ¾ cups of crumb mixture in bottom of a greased 9x13” baking dish. Press down firmly. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Spoon batter evenly over crumb base in dish. Bake as above. If using a 10x15” jelly roll pan, bake approximately 25-30 minutes. I have made this recipe both ways with great success.
 
Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apple dessert, apples, cookie, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Apple Squares[/b]
 
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from [url href=”http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/sour-cream-apple-squares/5f9d43ed-4519-44a3-9cc7-a21c66487b2f” target=”_blank” title=”apple squares”]Pillsbury[/url] Bake-Off Winner
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Tasty dessert recipe with apples, sour cream and pecans. This recipe is great sprinkled with powdered sugar and then add a dollop of vanilla ice cream to serve.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Gold Medal UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • ½ tsp. kosher or sea salt
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 2 heaping cups apples, peeled and finely chopped
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. In a large bowl, Mix the brown sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, baking soda, salt and cinnamon with an electric mixer until smooth.
  3. Stir in flour, apples and nuts.
  4. Spray a 9×13” glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  5. Pour apple filling into dish.
  6. Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes.
  7. Cool before cutting.
  8. Best if you let wait 24 hours before cutting.
  9. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before cutting. Store loosely covered.
 
Notes
The original recipe calls for the recipe to be made this way: Combine flour, brown sugar and butter and blend at low speed until mixture forms fine crumbs. Stir in nuts. Place 2 ¾ cups of crumb mixture in bottom of a greased 9×13” baking dish. Press down firmly. Add remaining ingredients to the rest of the crumb mixture and stir to combine. Spoon batter evenly over crumb base in dish. Bake as above. If using a 10×15” jelly roll pan, bake approximately 25-30 minutes. I have made this recipe both ways with great success.
Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

If you like fruit-filled desserts you will love this lovely apple dessert.

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

This is a great way to use up extra apples. Don’t forget to try these for breakfast! 

Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Apple Squares have a very deep flavor and actually improve in taste in a day or so.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Apple Dumplings

Apple Dumplings | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this is my favorite #dessert. It's absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. #apples are filled with #cinnamon-sugar, rolled in pie crust & glazed with a cinnamon-sugar syrup. Terrific dessert for company or #holidays.

Mom’s Apple Pie

Mom's Apple Pie | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | our favorite #applepie. This old-fashioned recipe is heavenly. #apples #dessert #pie

Apple Cake

Apple Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | This fantastic #apple #cake is filled with apples & #pecans & glazed with a homemade #caramel icing. It's absolutely divine! We serve it for #breakfast as a #coffeecake or for #dessert. #applecake #appledessert
Apple Squares | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delightful #recipe is just in time for #fall harvest! These #AppleSquares just seem to melt in your mouth. They're a wonderful #dessert for any occasion & not difficult to make. #tailgating #FallBaking #apples #Cookies #brownies #baking #HolidayBaking

Apple Squares

Teresa Ambra
Tasty dessert recipe with apples, sour cream and pecans. The squares are great sprinkled with powdered sugar and then dolloped with vanilla ice cream to serve. These scrumptious treats are delightful for tailgating parties, potlucks, family reunions, backyard barbecues or fall baking. If you enjoy apple desserts, you'll drool over these sweet treats.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 198 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped
  • 1 sharp knife to peel and dice apples

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 2 cups light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (measure after chopping)
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt or sea salt
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Icelandic or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 heaping cups apples peeled and finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, baking soda, salt and cinnamon with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Stir in flour, apples and nuts.
  • Spray a 9×13” glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Pour apple filling into dish.
  • Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes.
  • Cool before cutting.
  • Best if you let wait 24 hours before cutting.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar before cutting.
  • Store loosely covered.

Notes

NOTE: The original recipe calls for the recipe to be made this way: Combine flour, brown sugar and butter and blend at low speed until mixture forms fine crumbs. Stir in nuts. Place 2 ¾ cups of crumb mixture in bottom of a greased 9×13” baking dish. Press down firmly. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Spoon batter evenly over crumb base in dish. Bake as above. If using a 10×15” jelly roll pan, bake approximately 25-30 minutes. I have made this recipe both ways with great success.
 
Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apple dessert, apples, cookie, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

4 Comments

  • becky

    November 18, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    can I use apple pie filling

    1. Teresa

      November 18, 2014 at 11:45 pm

      I’ve never used apple pie filling in this recipe, Becky, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t work. Remember that in pie filling the apples are sliced rather than diced. It will make really large chunks for the dessert (unless you dice them before adding), but if you like chunky that shouldn’t be any problem. If it was me, I would give apple pie filling a try. I bet it turns out fantastic. Please let me know how it works with apple pie filling and I may try it that way myself next time!

  • Jenn @ Cakes Cookies and Pie Oh My

    February 15, 2014 at 11:15 pm

    I recently made this recipe and it turned out great. I’m not a fan of nuts so I left them out, awesome recipe!

    1. Teresa

      February 16, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      I’m so glad they turned out for you. We sure have enjoyed them through the years. Thanks for stopping by. I love your blog!

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