Apple Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of baked apples with a soft, buttery crust. This recipe creates the perfect balance between a gooey, caramelized apple filling and a tender, slightly crumbly topping. Ideal for fall gatherings, family dinners, or any time you want a comforting treat, Apple Squares are easy to make and full of flavor. Whether served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these squares are a satisfying dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and egg. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract, and stir to combine.
3. Press two-thirds of the dough mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apples evenly over the dough in the pan.
5. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the apples to form a topping.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 200mg

Why Apple Squares are Perfect for Fall

When it comes to fall desserts, apples are one of the most iconic ingredients. Apple picking is a favorite fall activity, and as the weather cools, people naturally gravitate toward comforting, fruity desserts that highlight this seasonal fruit. Apple Squares are an excellent choice for autumn because they highlight the flavors and textures of fresh apples, which are abundant at this time of year.

The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes even cloves are often associated with autumn, and Apple Squares make great use of these spices. These flavors not only pair perfectly with apples but also create a nostalgic atmosphere that evokes the cozy feeling of crisp fall days. The soft, sweet filling of baked apples paired with the buttery crust is a perfect way to embrace the season’s flavors.

Apple Squares are also incredibly adaptable to whatever apples are in season. Granny Smith apples, with their tartness, pair well with the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon. Alternatively, if you prefer sweeter varieties, like Fuji or Gala apples, they can be used in place of tart apples for a milder, less acidic flavor profile. The ability to swap apple varieties based on preference or availability makes Apple Squares an even more appealing choice for any time of year.

The History of Apple-Based Desserts

Apple-based desserts are as old as the fruit itself, dating back centuries. Apples were first cultivated thousands of years ago, and they quickly became a staple of both savory and sweet dishes. The apple pie, which is one of the most famous apple desserts, has been around for hundreds of years, but the combination of apples and other ingredients like sugar, flour, and butter in baked goods became especially popular in Western Europe and North America.

The creation of apple squares specifically likely has its roots in the tradition of easy-to-make fruit desserts that were popularized in the 20th century. In fact, square desserts became popular in the mid-1900s when “bar cookies” and other hand-held desserts were marketed as more convenient alternatives to pies and cakes. Apple Squares fit right into this movement, offering a handheld, portable version of apple pie that was easy to prepare and share.

Like many other baked goods, Apple Squares have evolved over time. Some versions use a crumbly topping instead of a full crust, while others might incorporate more spices like allspice or cardamom. Still, the basic concept of combining apples, sugar, and butter in a dessert with a simple, easy-to-make crust has remained largely unchanged. This simplicity and timeless appeal are part of what makes Apple Squares a favorite for so many people.

Why You Should Make Apple Squares at Home

While you can certainly find pre-made apple desserts at the grocery store, there’s something special about making Apple Squares from scratch. Homemade desserts tend to be more flavorful, and they allow you to control the quality of ingredients you use. When making Apple Squares at home, you can choose fresh, in-season apples, and you can select the exact balance of spices to suit your taste.

Making Apple Squares also gives you the freedom to adjust the recipe to meet your dietary preferences or needs. For example, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier crust, or swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative if you’re following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle. Additionally, you can experiment with the amount of sugar used, depending on whether you prefer a sweeter or more balanced dessert.

Another reason to make Apple Squares at home is the joy of baking. There’s something deeply satisfying about preparing a dessert from scratch, especially when the end result fills the kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and apples. Plus, making Apple Squares at home allows you to enjoy a fresh, homemade treat without the preservatives or artificial ingredients often found in store-bought versions.

Creative Variations of Apple Squares

One of the best things about Apple Squares is their versatility. While the basic recipe calls for a simple apple filling and buttery crust, there are countless ways to customize the recipe to fit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add a Streusel Topping: Instead of using a second layer of dough for the topping, consider adding a streusel topping made from butter, brown sugar, and oats. This adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to the soft apple filling and enhances the texture.

• Incorporate Nuts: Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling can provide an extra layer of crunch and flavor. The nuts pair beautifully with the apples and spices, creating a richer, more complex dessert.

• Use Different Fruits: While apples are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. A combination of apples and berries can create a beautiful medley of flavors that balances the tartness of apples with the sweetness of the berries.

• Carmelized Apples: For an even more indulgent treat, try caramelizing the apples before baking. Cooking them in butter and brown sugar will give them a deep, rich flavor that will elevate your Apple Squares to the next level.

• Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect way to serve Apple Squares, adding a creamy contrast to the spiced apple filling and buttery crust.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Squares are versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them on their own as a sweet snack or dessert, but they also pair well with a variety of accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take them from great to indulgent, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance for special occasions. For a more festive presentation, consider topping the squares with a few fresh apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon.