Caramel Apple-Walnut Squares(15 To 20 Servings)
Sweet and indulgent caramel apple-walnut squares combine creamy caramel, tart apple filling, and crunchy walnuts atop a buttery crust, perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 20 caramels, unwrapped ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- Cinnamon or vanilla ice cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter or margarine until the mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, unwrap the caramels and combine them with the sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until smooth and the caramels are melted.
- Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the apple filling.
- Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the walnuts.
- Bake the assembled squares in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving with cinnamon or vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. If you don't have quick cooking oats, you can use rolled oats but chop them a bit finer. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds. Ensure the caramels are fresh for easy melting, and stirring continuously while heating will help achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These Caramel Apple-Walnut Squares pair beautifully with a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. They are great for gatherings, and you can even enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. Try them alongside Holly Bar for a delightful dessert spread.
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 or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Apple-Walnut Squares(15 To 20 Servings) contains roughly 625 calories, with 9g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh apples! Peel and slice about 3-4 medium apples, toss them with sugar and cinnamon, and cook them briefly on the stove until slightly soft before layering them over the caramel. This will give you a fresher taste while maintaining the dessert's integrity.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can make a homemade version by combining 1 cup of whole milk with 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and heating it gently until the sugar dissolves. Alternatively, use evaporated milk mixed with sugar to achieve a similar texture and sweetness, though it may not be as rich.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
The squares are done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before cutting to ensure clean squares.
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).