Apple Squares

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45-50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12x8-inch rectangle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and trim the edges.
6. Spoon the apple filling over the dough, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with walnuts, if desired.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

One serving (1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
• Sodium: 250 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Sugar: 25 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Buttery and flaky crust with a tender apple filling.
• Warm, comforting, and sweet.
• Perfect for a fall dessert or a special occasion.

User Comments:

• "These Apple Squares were a hit at my Thanksgiving dinner! The crust was perfectly flaky and the apple filling was delicious."
• "I love how easy these squares are to make. They're always a crowd-pleaser."
• "I used Granny Smith apples in my squares and they turned out so tart and flavorful."
• "These squares are the perfect dessert for a cold night. They're warm and comforting."
• "I highly recommend adding chopped walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Do not overwork the dough, as this will make the crust tough.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
• If the dough is too dry, add a little more ice water 1 tablespoon at a time.
• If you do not have a pastry cutter, you can use a fork to work the butter into the flour.
• Be sure to slice the apples thinly so that they cook evenly.
• If you are using a different type of apple, the amount of sugar in the filling may need to be adjusted.
• Let the squares cool for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this will allow the filling to set.
• Apple Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.