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.
Storage
I like to use a 9x13 that has a lid, such as this ONE or this ONE. Then simply keep covered and store in refrigerator.
Serving
These squares are perfect to take to holiday gathering or serving on game day! Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Cozy Desserts
You must give these a try this fall season and then let me know how you like them by leaving me a comment! Can't wait to hear all about it!
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!
Fall Recipes to 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.
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.
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!