Cinnamon Apple Cider Squares-Improv Challenge

Hubby has been bringing home lots of free apples lately, so this month’s Improv Challenge ingredients of apples and cinnamon were very timely for me.  For awhile now I have been wanting to try a recipe using dry Spiced Cider Mix.  This seemed like a good time to do that.

I decided to add an envelope of Spiced Cider Mix and finely chopped apple to a favorite butterscotch brownie recipe from my old Betty Crocker Cookie Book.  The result was both a failure and a success.  The resulting “brownies” were a bit too soft to serve as a cookie, but they were wonderful and delicious cut in bigger squares and served as a dessert.  I have made these several times now, and hubby always looks forward to them.

I also like the fact that this recipe can be be made with melted butter, margarine, shortening or vegetable oil, whatever you are comfortable using in your cooking.  I have used melted butter and vegetable oil.

Cinnamon Apple Cider Squares
adapted from Betty Crocker Cookie Book
1/2 c. butter, margarine, shortening, melted or vegetable oil
2 c. light brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 .74 oz. envelope Spiced Apple Cider Mix
2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 chopped apple, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Combine melted butter, margarine, shortening or vegetable oil with sugar and beat well.  Stir in eggs and vanilla and mix until well blended.  Combine flour, cider mix, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.  Add to fat/sugar/egg mixture and stir until well blended.  Mixture will be stiff.  Stir in apple and nuts, if using.  Spread in a greased 9x13-in. baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Do not over bake.  Cut into squares while still slightly warm.  Serve topped with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.  Makes 12 servings.

Improv Challenge is a monthly linkup of recipes with a given set of ingredients and is hosted by Lesa from Edesia's Notebook.  December's challenge is red and green and posting is the third Thursday of the month.  If you would like to join in the fun, you will find all the info on Lesa's Improv page.

An InLinkz Link-up