Apple Coconut Squares
Apple Coconut Squares combine tender apple filling with toasted coconut in a buttery crumbly base, offering a sweet, spiced treat perfect for dessert or tea time. Suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9-inch square cake pan or a 7 1/2 x 11-inch baking dish. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream together the sugar and margarine or butter.
- Sift the flour and salt together, then add to the creamed mixture along with the shredded coconut.
- Pack half of this crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the crumb layer.
- Sprinkle with apple pie spice or a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add the remaining crumb mixture on top and pat down firmly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute coconut with chopped nuts or oats if you prefer a different texture. If you want to make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure your pie filling is dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
These apple coconut squares are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside Sweet Potato Punch or a fresh fruit salad, providing a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the apple coconut squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold as a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Coconut Squares contains roughly 586 calories, with 2g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh apples, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and spices first to achieve a similar flavor and consistency to apple pie filling. Aim for about 2 cups of diced apples for this recipe.
Can I freeze the apple coconut squares?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
What can I substitute for flaked coconut?
If you're not a fan of coconut, you can replace it with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch. Alternatively, rolled oats can provide a similar chewy texture.
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).