French Apple Squares
French Apple Squares are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust layered with sweet fruit filling, perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, shortening, sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Blend in beaten egg yolk and milk until dough comes together.
- Roll out half of the dough to fit a medium-sized pan.
- Spread the fruit filling over the rolled-out dough.
- Dot with butter over the filling.
- Cover with the remaining dough and brush the top with egg white.
- Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
- Glaze with powdered sugar icing after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you prefer a sweeter filling, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the fruit filling enhances the flavor. Ensure the dough is chilled before rolling it out to prevent sticking. If you don't have Wilderness fruit filling, homemade applesauce or other fruit preserves work well as alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
Serve French Apple Squares warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful contrast, consider serving alongside Sweet Mandarin Butter for a refreshing twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover French Apple Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm, ensuring the crust stays crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Apple Squares contains roughly 679 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of fruit filling?
Yes, you can substitute the Wilderness fruit filling with any fruit filling of your choice, such as cherry or blueberry. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to hold up during baking to avoid a soggy crust.
How can I make the crust more flavorful?
To add depth of flavor to the crust, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg. You can also incorporate finely grated lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note that complements the apples beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend meant for baking. Make sure to check that your fruit filling is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of French Apple Squares.
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).