Apple Pastry Squares
Sweet apple pastry squares feature tender, flaky crust filled with spiced apples, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert lovers craving warm, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an extra large bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add apple slices; toss to coat.
- In another extra large bowl, stir together the flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
- With a pastry blender, cut in the shortening till pieces are the size of small peas.
- In a small bowl, combine eggs, 6 tablespoons water, and lemon juice.
- Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture; mix till the flour mixture is moistened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flaky pastry, make sure your shortening is cold before cutting it into the flour. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. When mixing the apple filling, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. For a different twist, use a mix of tart and sweet apples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple pastry squares warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful afternoon treat, enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great dessert after a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apple pastry squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place squares in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Pastry Squares contains roughly 4573 calories, with 57g protein, 550g carbohydrates, and 253g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (394% of the Daily Value), iron (142% of the Daily Value), and calcium (124% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2556mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a mix of different apple varieties to enhance the flavor of your pastry squares. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance well with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. This combination can create a more complex flavor profile in your dish.
How can I make the pastry squares healthier?
You can make the pastry squares healthier by using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also add oats to the pastry for extra fiber.
Can I freeze the apple pastry squares?
Yes, you can freeze the apple pastry squares. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).