Apple Strudel Pastry Squares
Apple Strudel Pastry Squares feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with spiced sliced apples and crunchy corn flakes, perfect for cozy desserts or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 egg yolk ⓘ
- milk ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed corn flakes ⓘ
- 10 cups sliced apples ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly.
- Beat the egg yolk and add enough milk to make 1/3 cup.
- Stir the milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until it holds together and cleans the sides of the bowl.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll out one part to fit a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch pan.
- Sprinkle crushed corn flakes evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Combine sliced apples, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon; stir well and spread onto the first layer of dough.
- Roll out the second part of the dough and place it over the apple filling, pinching the edges together to seal.
- Brush the beaten egg whites over the top crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50 to 60 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier pastry, ensure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour. If you don't have corn flakes, crushed graham crackers or nuts can work as a substitute for added crunch. Consider adding a touch of lemon juice to the apple mixture for brightness. If you're short on time, pre-made pastry dough can be used instead of making it from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar for a delightful finish. Pair these squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. They make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread alongside other treats like Hard Teething Biscuits or Bulviniai Bynai.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Apple Strudel Pastry Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Strudel Pastry Squares contains roughly 1119 calories, with 16g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (190% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (188% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1760mg per serving (77% 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 besides apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute sliced pears, cherries, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the moisture content; you may need to adjust sugar and spice levels accordingly to suit the fruit you choose.
How do I know when the strudel is done baking?
The strudel is done when it turns a golden brown color and the apple filling is bubbling slightly. A toothpick inserted into the crust should come out clean, indicating that the pastry is cooked through and flaky.
Can I freeze Apple Strudel Pastry Squares?
Yes, you can freeze these squares! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
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).