7 Layer Squares
Seven-layer squares offer a delightful combination of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures with flavors of chocolate, coconut, apples, and cinnamon, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 c. melted butter ⓘ
- 1 c. graham cracker crumbs
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded coconut ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 6 c. diced apples
- 2/3 c. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2/3 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 c. oats ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 9-inch glass baking pan.
- Place diced apples in the prepared pan evenly.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar together, then add graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, flour, cinnamon, oats, and sweetened condensed milk; mix until the mixture is coarse.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples in the pan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds. To enhance the texture, toast the oats lightly before mixing them in. The apple variety can vary; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for balance in sweetness. For a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delicious on their own but serve beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle with warm caramel sauce. They make a perfect dessert after a hearty meal, such as Bev'S Awesome Breakfast Casserole, or as a sweet treat for gatherings. Consider pairing with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover 7 Layer Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a warm treat, or enjoy them chilled. They also freeze well; wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 7 Layer Squares contains roughly 730 calories, with 12g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Peaches, pears, or even berries would make great substitutes. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as different fruits may cook at varying rates. Remember to keep the sweetness in mind; if the fruit is sweeter, you might want to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk to balance the flavors.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make 7 Layer Squares gluten-free, simply replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure that the flour used is a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer gluten-free oats, so be sure to check the label when choosing your oats to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I do if my topping is too dry?
If you find your topping is too dry before baking, consider adding a bit more melted butter or sweetened condensed milk to the mixture. This will help create a more cohesive topping. You can also try pressing the mixture down firmly onto the apples to help it hold together better during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).