This Cheddar Crunch Apple Squares recipe is for a sweet-and-savory apple bar with a cheddar cheese crumb crust. This recipe reminds me of something my grandmother Evelyn used to say every time we ate apple pie: “An apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze.” In some areas of the USA, mostly New England and the Midwest, apple pie is traditionally served with a slice of cheddar. This dates back to an old English tradition (see note *). Apples and cheddar make a perfect marriage in these tasty bars. Recipe from Christmas Cookies are for Giving, used with permission (see note**).
Ingredients
1 box (12 ounces or 340g) vanilla wafers, or 3-1/3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1-1/2 cups flaked coconut, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
2 (21-ounce cans) apple pie filling
cinnamon ice cream, or warmed honey, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Pre-heat the oven to 375F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a food processor, make crumbs out of the vanilla wafers. Combine with coconut, cinnamon, cheese and butter to form a crumbly mixture. Press one half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread apple pie filling on top of crust. Top with remaining crumb mixture. Do not press down.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack in refrigerator and cut into squares about 2×2 inches. Serve with cinnamon ice cream or warmed honey, if desired.
- Store for up to 2 weeks in airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe Video
Notes
- * Eat This, Not That has a great article on the pairing of cheese and apple pie.
- ** Recipe from the book Christmas Cookies are for Giving: Recipes, Stories and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts by Mimi Cummins and Kristin Johnson. Used with permission.