Caramel Apple Walnut Squares
Caramel Apple Walnut Squares combine a buttery crust with a sweet apple filling, topped with rich caramel and crunchy walnuts. This delicious dessert offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family treats. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, it appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in margarine or butter until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a 13x9-inch pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Add walnuts to the reserved crumb mixture.
- In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the apple filling over the baked crust.
- Top with the caramel mixture, then sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until set.
- Cool and serve warm, optionally with ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular margarine or butter. If you don't have quick cooking oats, you can substitute with rolled oats, just pulse them in a blender for a finer texture. For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. To enhance sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup over the top just before serving can be delightful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these squares warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a great afternoon snack. For a breakfast treat, consider enjoying them alongside a slice of Moist Cornbread or a fruit salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel 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, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warm, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Apple Walnut Squares contains roughly 1671 calories, with 8g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1866mg per serving (81% 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 filling?
Yes, you can use fresh apples. Peel and slice them, then sauté briefly with a bit of sugar and cinnamon until just tender before spreading them over the crust. This will give a fresh flavor and a nice texture to the squares.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free caramel apple walnut squares, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free, but always check labels for cross-contamination.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the squares a day in advance. Simply bake, cool, and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before serving to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
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).