Creamy Apple Graham Squares
Creamy Apple Graham Squares combine tender graham cracker crust with sweet, spiced apple filling and a rich coconut frosting topping, perfect for dessert lovers seeking comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 20 oz can pie-sliced apples ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 8 oz package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 package coconut almond or coconut pecan frosting mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, brown sugar, and baking powder.
- Use a pastry blender or mixer at low speed to blend until crumbly.
- Reserve 2 cups of the crumb mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- Drain the pie-sliced apples and spread evenly over the crust.
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; sprinkle over the apples.
- In a saucepan, combine milk and cream cheese; cook over low heat until smooth.
- Prepare the frosting mix according to package instructions and fold into the milk and cream cheese mixture to make a creamy topping.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the apple layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. You can also substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different taste. If you prefer a fruitier dessert, add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb mixture for added crunch. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These Creamy Apple Graham Squares are best served chilled, as the flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving alongside a warm beverage like spiced cider or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. For best results, avoid reheating the entire dish at once, as it may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Apple Graham Squares contains roughly 1507 calories, with 19g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% 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 canned pie-sliced apples?
Yes, you can use fresh apples! Just peel, core, and slice them thinly. Toss the slices with a bit of sugar and cinnamon before layering them over the crust to enhance their flavor. Make sure to pre-cook them slightly to soften before adding to the dish.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?
You can easily make this dessert gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free, as many brands contain wheat. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
How can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can prepare the entire dessert a day in advance. Just follow all the steps up to baking, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it the next day; it may take a few extra minutes in the oven. This is a great strategy for busy days or for serving at gatherings.
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).