Danish Apple Squares
Danish Apple Squares are a delightful dessert featuring a flaky crust filled with sweet, spiced apples and a crunchy cornflake topping. Brushed with egg white for a golden finish and drizzled with confectioners sugar, this treat is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family dessert tables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add the beaten egg yolk and enough milk to make 2/3 cup, then blend the mixture.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts.
- Roll one part of the dough to fit a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan or an oblong baking pan.
- Sprinkle the bottom of the crust with crushed corn flakes.
- Combine sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture over the corn flakes layer.
- Place the second portion of dough on top and pinch the edges together to seal.
- Beat the egg white until stiff and brush over the top crust.
- Bake in a 400°F (or 375°F) oven for 50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix 1 cup confectioners sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 to 2 tablespoons water to make a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the hot baked squares before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening in the crust. If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). When slicing apples, mix in a touch of lemon juice to prevent browning. To enhance sweetness, feel free to add a sprinkle of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
These Danish Apple Squares are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, pair them with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. They also make a lovely dessert after hearty meals and can be enjoyed at breakfast alongside yogurt or fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Danish Apple Squares to cool completely before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danish Apple Squares contains roughly 930 calories, with 12g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1130mg per serving (49% 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?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can work well in this recipe. Just adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit you choose. For example, if using tart berries, you might want to increase the sugar slightly.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown color on the top crust, which indicates they are cooked through. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out to ensure it’s easy to work with.
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).