Caramel Apple Oat Squares
Sweet and buttery caramel apple oat squares combine crisp crust, gooey caramel, and apple filling for a comforting dessert perfect for family gatherings or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix well and cut in margarine until the mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and press the remaining into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, unwrap the caramels and combine them with the sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and melted.
- Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Top with apple pie filling or topping.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of cold margarine. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. If you want a bit of crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds to the crumb mixture. Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning the top layer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Caramel Apple Oat Squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of warm apple cider. For a delightful breakfast option, consider serving them alongside a fruit salad like Pink Salad Perfection.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold for a different texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Apple Oat Squares contains roughly 1075 calories, with 23g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 917mg per serving (40% 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. Simply peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon to mimic the flavor of apple pie filling. This will add a fresh touch to the squares.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Caramel Apple Oat Squares, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free as some may be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
Can I prepare the squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the squares a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and store them in an airtight container after they have cooled. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
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).