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You have to try these plant-based Gluten-Free Apple Pie Squares with Almond Butter Caramel! Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of buttery oat crust, warm apple cinnamon filling, a perfect crumble topping, and a rich almond butter caramel drizzled on top. It’s a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist.
These squares are truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth. This isn’t just an apple dessert, it’s a cozy treat you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, it’s a recipe you won’t want to miss! And, this is an egg-free dessert with dairy-free option included.
Making the Perfect Apple Pie Filling For Squares
To start, you need to whip up the apple pie filling. Begin by peeling and chopping the apples, then toss them into a saucepan with butter, maple syrup, vanilla, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and some tapioca flour. This blend of ingredients creates a deliciously fragrant mixture and is the key to delicious apple squares.
Simmer to Sweetness
Combine everything in the saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll see the apples soften quickly, so once the liquids bubble, cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat.
Letting the apples sit in the residual heat will allow them to soften, soaking up all those incredible flavors. This filling is the heart of your gluten-free apple pie squares, while your kitchen is filled with the warm, scents of fall!
The Benefits of Oats in Gluten-Free Diet
Oats are one of those foods we should all try to include in our diet, especially when following a gluten-free lifestyle. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they can be contaminated with gluten if grown near wheat fields, which is why certified gluten-free oats are rigorously tested for gluten.
Whole oats are nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Even more important, research has shown they contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan can help slow the development of certain cancers, making oats not only a wholesome choice but a potentially protective one for your health.
Chunky Apples for Maximum Flavor
In this apple pie square recipe, I opted to chop the apples instead of slicing them thinly. Why? Because when you take a bite, you want to taste real, juicy apple chunks—not apple sauce! The chunks maintain their tender texture and flavor, while the crumble fits perfectly between them, creating a delicious contrast in each bite.
Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Crust and Crumble
Now that the apple layer is ready, it’s time to prepare the crust and crumble, which come together quickly.
Both the crust and crumble are made from the same mixture.
To make the mixture, add all ingredients into a food processor and pulse a few times—easy as that!
Most of the oat mixture will be used for the crust. Lightly press it into the pan before adding the softened cinnamon apples.
Once the crust is ready, spread the cinnamon apple mixture over it and sprinkle with the remaining crumble.
Your apple pie squares are now ready for the oven!
The Almond Butter Caramel That Transforms this Apple Dessert
The almond butter caramel is what truly sets this apple dessert apart. Making it takes just seconds! Place four ingredients—almond butter, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla—into a small bowl and microwave for about 25 seconds. The creamy caramel will soften, making it perfect for drizzling over the squares.
You might feel overwhelmed by the number of steps, but trust me, this recipe is incredibly easy! The entire hands-on time took me only 15 minutes. You’re going to love it!
A Healthier Gluten-Free Apple Dessert with Wholesome Ingredients
In this gluten-free recipe, the wholesome ingredients—certified gluten-free oats, fresh apples, almond butter, and pure maple syrup—create a healthier dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
The Power of Apples
I don’t need to say much about apples—have you heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? It’s true!
Delicious and Nutritious
First of all, apples are delicious, and nothing beats the taste of a fresh, crispy apple. For me, it’s like eating candy! Have you ever tried making apple cinnamon chips? They’re nutritious and incredibly addictive—YUM!
Health Benefits of Apples
Apples are not just tasty; they’re also highly nutritious and fiber-rich. According to Harvard.edu, apples are linked to a lower risk of diabetes, and promote good gut bacteria. So go ahead, enjoy that apple!
More delicious gluten-free apple recipes to explore
Store these gluten-free apple pie squares with almond butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them tasting fresh.
If you love the idea of warm apple dessert, pop the squares in the microwave for about 15 seconds for a warm, delicious treat, and top them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—does it get any more delicious than this? Enjoy every bite!
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear how your apple pie squares turn out! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Happy baking!
Preheat oven to 350 F and line a square 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper
2.
Make the apple pie filling: melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple chunks and mix to combine.
3.
In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, starch and 1 tablespoon of water. Add the mixture to the apples and cook until the sauce starts to bubble. Give it a good stir, cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat. The apples will continue to soften
4.
Make the crust and crumble: Place the rolled oats, oat flour, baking soda and salt into a food processor and pulse 7 times. Add remaining ingredients and briefly pulse until the mixture resembles crumbles
5.
Lightly press 2/3 of the mixture in the prepared baking pan and place the remaining mixture in the freezer for 5 minutes. This creates a good crumble
6.
Pour the apple pie mixture evenly over the crust, then crumble the remaining chilled oat mixture over the top. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until the topping is golden. Cool completely in the pan
7.
Make the almond butter caramel: place the almond butter, butter, maple syrup and vanilla in a medium bowl. Microwave for about 25 - 35 seconds until warm, then and stir until creamy
8.
Drizzle almond butter caramel over the top and cut into squares
Nutrition Info
Nutritional Value per Square (1/16 of the Recipe) | Calories: 166 | Total Fat: 7g | Sodium: 50mg | Total Carbohydrates: 21g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 8g | Protein: 3g | Note: This calculation is approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient quantities.
Leave a Comment
Kristina
Yes Cindy, absolutely. The only thing, you may need more apples, so adjust the ingredients accordingly. K
Cindy
Is it possible to "can/preserve the apple filling to be used in pies? It sounds so delicious...
Kristina
I am so happy to hear that Mary, thank you for sharing
Mary Wahl
Well, made these and turned out yummy!
For the topping, I used regularstore bought caramel, and added some cream,softened in microwave. Turned out great!
Kristina
Mary, you can use any nut butter
Mary Wahl
Sounds good. Will try soon. Is there something to
Replace the almond butter?
Kristina
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