Apple Squares
Apple Squares are a delightful dessert featuring a flaky crust filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple slices. Perfect for fall gatherings or comforting family treats, they combine tender apples with a buttery crust, offering a balance of tartness and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and sugar together.
- Cut in shortening until crumbly.
- Add milk to the egg yolk and mix to make 2/3 cup of liquid.
- Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and form into a ball.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each into jelly roll pan size.
- Place one crust into the jelly roll pan.
- Mix apple slices, cinnamon, and sugar together.
- Pour the apple mixture onto the crust in the pan.
- Roll out the remaining crust and place over the apple filling.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake at 400°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider using cold butter instead of shortening, or a combination of both. If you're short on apples, mix in some pears for added flavor. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple mixture can enhance the overall taste. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your apples for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these apple squares warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more festive offering, consider serving alongside a slice of Karo Six-Minute Pecan Pie for a dessert spread that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apple 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 in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Squares contains roughly 259 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 976mg per serving (42% 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 other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as some fruits may require adjustments in sugar or cooking time to prevent a soggy crust.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, ensure that your apple slices are well-drained. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of flour on the crust before adding the apple filling to absorb excess moisture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for best results. This can save you time on the day you plan to bake.
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).