Saturday, May 25, 2013

Caramel Apple Squares

When it goes from snowing one day to 90° in just a few days, you know it's getting close to the end of spring in Utah. And that is a great time to make cool desserts like this one that require no baking.  It is so easy to toss in whatever you like in with the apples: other fruit, chopped candy bars, marshmallows, coconut, toffee chips, cinnamon chips, use your imagination! But I like it just like this too.

I've had this recipe for years and years and have no idea where I found it orginally. I did the Apple-Crunch addition to it with an orange-cranberry granola.
Caramel Apple Squares

11 graham cracker squares                               
1 (14-oz.) pkg. caramels                                                     
6T. milk                                                        
2/3 c. chopped walnuts                                          
1 c. cold milk
1 (4-serving size) pkg. vanilla instant pudding
1 (8-oz.) tub whipped topping, thawed
2 c. diced red and/or green apples 

            Arrange crackers on bottom of 9x13-inch baking dish, cutting crackers to fit, if necessary.  Microwave 15 of the caramels and 2 tablespoons of the milk in small microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 to 1 ½ minutes or until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth, stirring after 1 minute.  Spread over cracker; sprinkle with 1/3 c. of the walnuts.  Refrigerate.

            Pour 1 cup milk into large bowl.  Add pudding mix.  Beat with wire whisk 1 or 2 minutes.  Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping.  Spread over caramel layer. 

            Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until ready to serve.  Garnish with remaining whipped topping, 1/3 cup walnuts and apples.  Microwave remaining caramels and 4 tablespoon milk in small microwavable  bowl on HIGH 1 minute or until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth stirring after 30 second.  Drizzle over top of dessert.  Store leftover dessert in refrigerator. 

VARIATION: Apple Crunch-  Sprinkle with granola cereal and cinnamon.

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I know most people think of apples as fall food, but I love it in lots of different desserts like these year-round:

 
 
 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. I will have to try this! Looks like something tom would love!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You post the best recipes. I am going to try this one.

    ReplyDelete