Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey square bursting with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans - a dessert that captures the very essence of fall in every single bite! These Cinnamon Apple Pecan Squares are not just a dessert; they're a cozy experience that transforms your kitchen into a haven of warmth and deliciousness. Whether you're looking to impress guests, treat your family, or simply indulge in a moment of pure culinary bliss, this recipe promises to be your new seasonal obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 9 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve about ½ cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with lemon juice, remaining brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Spread the apple and pecan mixture evenly over the crumb base in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the apple layer, creating a streusel-like topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into 9 square servings.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for maintaining texture and balanced sweetness.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter is fully melted and ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and consistent texture.
- Don't overmix the crumb base: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the crust tender and crumbly.
- Even layer is key: Press the base mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid foundation for your squares.
- Check doneness carefully: Golden brown top and bubbling edges indicate your squares are perfectly baked.
- Cooling matters: Let the squares cool for at least 15 minutes to help them set and make cutting easier.
- Optional enhancements: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
