Apple Squares with Walnuts & Cinnamon Sugar

Introduction

Apple Squares with Walnuts & Cinnamon Sugar are the perfect blend of rustic charm and irresistible flavor—a dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the natural sweetness of baked apples. These golden, soft, cake-like squares are easy to prepare and make your kitchen smell like autumn in full bloom.

Unlike complicated pies or pastries, apple squares offer a quicker, simpler way to enjoy the taste of homemade baked goods. They’re ideal for family gatherings, bake sales, or simply enjoying with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee. With their moist texture, nutty crunch, and lightly crisp cinnamon-sugar topping, they strike the perfect balance between comforting and indulgent.

This recipe celebrates the essence of home baking—using fresh, wholesome ingredients to create something delicious and timeless. Each bite is filled with juicy apple pieces, warm spices, and the gentle crunch of walnuts. Whether served warm from the oven or cooled to enjoy later, these apple squares are sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts.

A Bit of Background

Apple-based desserts have deep roots in both European and American baking traditions. Before the era of modern ovens, apples were among the most common ingredients used in hearth-baked breads and cakes due to their availability and natural sweetness. Recipes for “apple slices” and “apple bars” became popular in the early 20th century when home cooks wanted a dessert that could be easily cut, packed, and shared.

This particular version, enriched with cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts, is inspired by those classic recipes. The combination of fruit, spice, and crunch has remained beloved across generations—a simple yet elegant dessert that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: Ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup.
Perfectly Spiced: Balanced sweetness with a warm cinnamon aroma.
Moist and Nutty: Apples keep the texture tender while walnuts add crunch.
Freezer-Friendly: Keeps well for snacks or desserts later in the week.
Versatile: Works as a dessert, breakfast treat, or lunchbox snack.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Apple Squares:

2 large apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups / 240 g)
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (155 g)
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (115 g)
¾ cup brown sugar (150 g)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts (60 g)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment:

8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Knife and peeler

Pro Tips:

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith to prevent them from turning mushy.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes before adding for richer flavor.
For a lighter option, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking again until fully combined. This mixture forms the rich, moist base of your apple squares.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the squares may turn dense.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples and Walnuts

Add the diced apples and chopped walnuts to the batter, folding until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and chunky, which ensures a hearty texture after baking.

Step 5: Spread and Add the Topping

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the batter—this creates a sweet, crisp crust as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown with a light crackle from the cinnamon-sugar crust.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the apple squares to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares. The cooling period helps the texture firm up and makes cutting easier.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Too dense? Mix the batter gently and make sure your leavening agents are fresh.
Soggy bottom? Make sure the apples are well-drained and not overly juicy.
Too dry? Add an extra tablespoon of melted butter or a splash of milk if the batter feels thick.
Extra crunch: Add a handful of oats or chopped pecans to the topping for texture.

Variations & Customizations

Caramel Drizzle: Top cooled squares with a light caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Apple-Cranberry Version: Stir in ¼ cup of dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
Maple Twist: Replace half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Serve your Apple Squares with Walnuts & Cinnamon Sugar warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more wholesome option, pair them with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. They also make a wonderful brunch treat—served slightly warm alongside coffee or chai tea.

If you’re entertaining, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style finish. Their rustic, golden-brown look makes them beautiful enough to serve straight from the pan.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store the apple squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers with parchment paper between each square for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave individual squares for 20–25 seconds. The topping will regain its crunch when lightly reheated in the oven.

FAQ

Can I use other nuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, replace the melted butter with ½ cup of neutral oil (like canola or sunflower), but note that the flavor will be slightly lighter.

Can I make them ahead for an event?
Absolutely. These squares hold their shape and flavor well, making them ideal for baking a day ahead.

Conclusion

Apple Squares with Walnuts & Cinnamon Sugar are the perfect showcase of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Each bite offers the comforting warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of toasted nuts, and the sweetness of tender baked apples—all wrapped in a soft, buttery crumb. Whether you enjoy them as a quick dessert, a festive fall treat, or a cozy afternoon snack, these apple squares are guaranteed to bring a smile to every table. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the taste of homemade comfort in every bite.