There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy flavors of fall, and these homemade Apple Squares are a true family tradition! My mom has been baking this recipe for decades, and every time I make it, it disappears almost instantly. With layers of tender apples, sweet cinnamon filling, and a buttery bottom crust, these apple dessert bars are as comforting as they are delicious. Not only do they come together easily, but the big, bold flavors make them feel like something truly special. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or an after-dinner treat, these Apple Squares will quickly become a recipe you’ll crave year after year.
These are always such a hit! If you are looking for more cozy recipes this fall try this Chocolate Cobbler or keep scrolling for more ideas below!
Ingredients
- box yellow cake mix
- butter
- chopped pecans
- apple pie filling
- sugar
- cinnamon
- sour cream
- egg
See exact quantities in recipe card below
Instructions
To begin, melt the butter and then stir in the cake mix along with the chopped nuts. Once combined, pat this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 dish to form the base. Next, mix together the apple pie filling, sugar, and cinnamon until everything is well blended, cutting the apples into more bite sized pieces. Then spread this apple mixture evenly over the crust. After that, whisk the sour cream together with a beaten egg until smooth, and carefully spread it over the apple layer. Finally, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. For the best results, refrigerate the dessert for several hours—or even overnight—so it has time to fully set before cutting into squares and serving. Watch the short video below to see it in action!
Equipment
A well stocked kitchen makes baking go so much smoother. Prepping out kitchens for busy times like the fall and winter holidays makes life less complicated in the kitchen and clean up easier! Take a look at some of my favorite tools HERE, you may find something new to use in your kitchen.
Serving
These squares are perfect to take to holiday gathering or serving on game day! Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Story Time
When I was in high school we had a neighbor across the street who loved these Apple Squares. She actually lived by a very strict, no sugar diet all year long. She allowed herself one day a year to indulge in all the sweet things. And THIS is the recipe she would request! I always found that so amazing that out of all the recipes...this is the one she wanted my mom to make her! You have to give it a try!
Apple Squares
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 16 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans divided
- 21 ounce apple pie filling
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 ounce sour cream
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a medium sized microwave safe bowl, melt the butter and then stir in the cake mix along with 1 cup of the chopped nuts.
- Once well combined, pat this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 dish to form the base.
- Mix together the apple pie filling, sugar, and cinnamon until everything is well blended, while also cutting the apples into bite sized pieces. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Stir the sour cream and beaten egg until smooth, and carefully spread it over the apple layer. Sprinkle the additional ½ cup of pecans on top.
- Bake for 50 minutes.
- For the best results, refrigerate the dessert for several hours—or even overnight—so it has time to fully set before cutting into squares and serving.
Esme Slabbert says
May have to give this one a go soon. Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop
My shares: #72+73+74
We now have two Linkies: SSPS and TFT at https://esmesalon.com/seniorsalonpitstop/
Misty Tannery says
going to visit yours now!
Madelyn Graf says
My husband is obsessed with these! Can’t wait to make again!
Misty Tannery says
Wow, so happy to hear this! They are definitely a fall favorite!
sharyl hanley says
These apple squares were so good I made them twice in one week because they went so fast!
Misty Tannery says
I am so so glad to hear this and glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to let me know—it truly means so much to me. If you have a moment, I’d also love for you to add a star rating to help other readers find the recipe!
Barbara says
Want to make this with fresh apples what would you suggest as measurements for making my own filling
Misty Tannery says
I don't have that recipe on my site yet...but I am happy to share how we do this. This is my mom's recipe and we love it.
Ingredients
4 medium apples (I like Granny Smith or Pink Ladies cut in 1/2 inch chunks)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Peel, core, and chop or slice the apples. Melt the butter with the cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the apples, sugar, and 3 tablespoons water. Cover and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the apples and continue cooking until the apples are tender but not mushy and the filling has thickened. Let the filling bubble for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Holly Arnold says
can you leave out the surgar?
Misty Tannery says
Yes, even though I never do this myself, you can leave out the ¼ cup of sugar if you prefer a less-sweet dessert. The cake mix and apple pie filling already add sweetness, so omitting the additional sugar should not affect how the squares bake or set. Let me know how they turn out!
Glenda says
Can I leave the sour cream out?
Misty Tannery says
I wouldn't recommend leaving out the sour cream, since it makes up the creamy top layer of these Apple Squares. The sour cream and egg bake together to create that layer and help give the dessert its finished texture. Which is a unique element. If you need to avoid sour cream, I would substitute an equal amount of plain full-fat Greek yogurt rather than simply leaving it out.
Janet says
Can I make this with apples instead of apple pie filling?
Misty Tannery says
It really needs the soft filling for the texture. If you add apples, be sure to cook them down a bit and add apple pie seasoning.
Elaine Bridges says
Email me the receipt please Ty!
Misty Tannery says
will do!
Cara Leonard says
These look amazing! I have so many apples here at home, excited to try this out!
Misty Tannery says
Oh, I hope you love them! Such an easy recipe!
Eva says
Apple is my go-to flavor for baked goods and these were incredible. Lucky you, that your mom has been making them for you for years. I can see why you love them so much.
Misty Tannery says
oh, so glad you like them! Yep, I am a lucky daughter for sure!
Leanne Neill says
I love apple anything and this looks divine! I am bookmarking for this weekend - can't wait
Misty Tannery says
Oh, I hope you love it!
Courtney says
My grandmother used to make something really similar so these were super nostalgic! Love the ease of using cake mix and apple pie filling.
Misty Tannery says
That is such a fun memory! Thank you for sharing!
Josie Taddeo says
I can't use nuts. Would I need to change amounts of anything to compensate?
Misty Tannery says
No, not at all. You can simply leave them out. Hope you enjoy them!