Apple Pie Squares with Almond Butter Caramel – Gluten Free

If you love a good old-fashioned apple pie but want to keep it simple, try these naturally Gluten-Free Apple Pie Squares with Almond Butter Caramel.

Apple Pie Squares with Almond Butter Caramel – the layers

The apple pie squares are made up of four layers. A buttery crust is made with oats, topped with a layer of apple cinnamon filling, then a perfect crumble and a heavenly creamy almond butter caramel for the finish. Need I say more?

The apple pie squares are melt in your mouth delicious with the tastiest almond butter caramel topping! This apple dessert recipe is one that you should try at least once.

If there is something that pairs this well, it is cinnamon apples with buttered oats. The two layers are meant to be together.

Add a crumble and creamy almond butter caramel topping, and the gluten-free apple pie squares are life changing.

apple pie square, the simple details

To start, you will need to make the apple pie filling. It’s pretty simple. Peel and chop the apples, and add them to a saucepan with butter, maple syrup, vanilla, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and a couple of teaspoons of starch. 

Combine all the ingredients, and bring to a simmer. The apples soften very quickly, so once the liquids start to bubble, cover the saucepan and remove it from the stove. The apples will continue to soften to perfection.

Why chop the apples?

I chopped the apples in this apple pie square recipe instead of slicing them thinly.

You may ask why. This is because, when you take a bite, you will taste apples and not apple sauce. Also, the crumble falls perfectly between the apple chunks. Another apple recipe you will LOVE are the Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bars.

oat crust and crumble

Now that the apple layer is ready, the crust and crumble come together quickly. Both the crust and crumble are made from the same mixture. 

To make the mixture for the crust and crumble, add everything into a food processor, pulse a few times, and you are done! It doesn’t get any easier than this.

Most of the oat mixture is used for the crust. To do this, lightly press the mixture into the pan before the softened cinnamon apples are added.

Now that the crust is ready spread the cinnamon apple mixture over the crust and sprinkle with the remaining crumble. The apple pie squares are ready for the oven.

How to make almond butter caramel?

The almond butter caramel is what sets this apple dessert apart from most. Making the almond butter caramel takes just seconds.

Place the four ingredients, almond butter, butter, maple syrup and vanilla, in a small bowl and microwave for about 25 seconds. The creamy, butter caramel will soften, so you can drizzle it over the squares.

You may think there are so many steps, and the recipes may seem complicated. But, trust me, the recipe is so easy! The entire hands-on time took me only 15 minutes. You will love it!

a healthier dessert

When I start developing recipes, I always think of keeping them as healthy as possible. After all, we are what we eat! So same goes for this gluten-free apple dessert recipe. 

Using ingredients such as oats, apples, almond butter, and pure maple syrup shows that this apple pie square recipe is on the healthier side.

this apple recipe is naturally gluten-free

Oats are one of those foods we should try to include in our diet. When following a gluten-free diet, it is vital to buy certified gluten-free oats. 

We know that oats are naturally gluten-free, but if oats are grown next to wheat fields, they may contain gluten. 

Certified gluten-free oats are tested for gluten contamination and then certified that they are free of gluten.

Whole oats are super nutritious and especially rich in protein, fiber and antioxidants. But even more importantly, they contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. As per research, beta-glucan can slow the development of some cancers.

Are apples important in our diet?

I don’t need to talk too much about apples. Have you heard the expression, an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, it is true. 

Why do you ask? First, apples are delicious, and there is nothing tastier than a fresh crispy apple.

For me, it is like eating candy. Have you tried to make apple cinnamon chips? They are super healthy and so addictive. YUM

Apples are highly nutritious and fiber-rich. As per Harvard Edu, apples are also linked to a lower risk of diabetes, and they may help prevent some cancers, help fight asthma, and promote good gut bacteria. 

store and serve

First, you should store this apple dessert in a refrigerator for freshness. Then, you can enjoy them straight out of the fridge or at room temperature. 

If you like warm apples, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds and add a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream. Does it get any more delicious than this? Enjoy!

Let’s Connect!

Be sure to FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK and PINTEREST.

Many thanks!

Kristina xx