These Easy Apple Squares are a warm and yummy treat perfect for fall! They feature tender apples mixed into a sweet, moist cake that will fill your kitchen with cozy scents.
You’ll love how simple they are to make and how quickly they disappear! I always bake a batch to share with friends, but I often end up keeping them all to myself. 🍏😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. I recommend Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you’re short on apples, you can substitute with canned apples but reduce sugar in the recipe.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary slightly.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: I love using sour cream for its richness, but plain yogurt is a great substitute too. For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt for added protein.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
How Can You Achieve Soft, Moist Apple Squares?
The key to moist and fluffy apple squares lies in the mixing technique and the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure to mix until it’s light and fluffy, which adds air and moisture. Here are more tips:
- Mix the eggs in one at a time to maintain fluffiness.
- Don’t overmix the batter with the flour, or the squares may turn out dense.
- Feel free to let your apples sit with a little lemon juice before adding them in. This enhances their flavor and keeps them from browning.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, soft apple squares ready to enjoy anytime!
Easy Apple Squares Recipe for Fall Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and another 35-40 minutes for baking. You’ll also need time to cool the squares completely before serving, so plan for about 1 hour after baking. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step is important for preventing sticking!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This helps ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This is essential for achieving a nice texture in your squares!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Afterward, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender result.
6. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula. This will add moisture and sweetness to your squares!
7. Bake the Squares:
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to keep an eye on them towards the end of baking!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the apple squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if you’d like, then cut into squares and serve!
Enjoy these apple squares warm or at room temperature for a comforting fall treat! They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Apple Squares
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! Mixing different types of apples can enhance the flavor and texture. Grannies Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisp provides sweetness. Feel free to use what you have on hand!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly compared to using regular flour.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Squares?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make for a delicious addition. You can also mix in dried cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the balance of the recipe.