Apple Walnut Squares
Delicious apple walnut squares feature tender tart apples and crunchy walnuts, topped with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Perfect for dessert, snack, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar.
- Beat in the egg.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture; the dough will be stiff.
- Stir in the chopped and peeled tart apples.
- Spread the batter into a greased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Spread the walnut mixture over the batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use honey or maple syrup in place of some of the brown sugar. Make sure to chop the apples finely to ensure they blend well into the batter. You can also experiment by adding raisins or dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Walnut Squares are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal afternoon snack. For a delightful breakfast, serve them alongside Mull'S Pancakes By Donna for a comforting start to your day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Apple Walnut Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Walnut Squares contains roughly 714 calories, with 4g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 58g fat.
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 types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor. Either option will complement the apples beautifully. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain a nice crunch in the squares.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonathan are ideal as they balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhance the overall flavor. However, you can also mix different varieties for a more complex taste, using sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji in combination with tart ones.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Apple Walnut Squares gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking soda and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe's integrity.
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).