Comforting Cinnamon Spiced Squares (Printable Version)

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg squares with oats and wholesome add-ins, perfect for a comforting snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
02 - 1 cup rolled oats
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
08 - 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
09 - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
10 - 1 large egg or flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
11 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

12 - 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
13 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together whole wheat flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine applesauce, maple syrup or honey, melted oil, egg or flax egg, and vanilla extract.
04 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
05 - Fold in raisins or apricots and nuts if using, taking care not to overmix.
06 - Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
07 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow squares to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're impossibly moist and tender without relying on dates, making them feel like an indulgence that's actually good for you
  • The warm spices create that cozy, wrapped-in-a-blanket feeling that makes any day feel special
  • They come together in under an hour, so you can satisfy a craving without spending all afternoon in the kitchen
02 -
  • The cooling step isn't just a suggestion—cutting warm squares will cause them to fall apart. Cooling completely in the pan is what gives them their perfect tender-but-sturdy texture.
  • Don't use old baking soda or baking powder. If you're not sure when you opened it, start fresh. The leavening agents are what make these squares rise into that lovely tender crumb.
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and create a better texture. Let your egg, applesauce, and oil sit out for a few minutes before mixing.
  • These squares actually taste better on day two or three, after the flavors have had time to settle and meld together into something even more delicious.

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