Monday, March 25, 2013

Apple Crumb Squares




From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This is a nice treat to serve with coffee or tea and, unlike many apple desserts or snacks, you'll find that these squares travel well. That makes them a perfect candidate for a morning meeting or an evening pot luck supper. The squares are like an apple slice, but they have a firm bottom and are less sweet. The squares, which can be eaten out of hand, are a cross between a cake and a cookie and those of you who like natural apple flavor will enjoy the simplicity of this treat. The cake/cookie has a buttery base and a layer of apples that are covered with apricot jam and topped with a  thick layer of crumbs. The recipe appeared in Family Circle magazine and the first time I made the squares I thought they needed a bit of a flavor boost. I increased the amount of salt used in the cookie base and doubled the amount of preserves used to brush the apples. I also played a bit with the extracts and the amount of pie spice used in the recipe. This is a very simple and homely dessert. If you like streusel and apples, chances are you'll enjoy these squares, They are fast and easy to make. I do not think they are particularly good keepers, but if they are stored in an airtight container dessert they will last for a day or two. They tend to get soggy as they age. Here's how they are made.

Apple Crumb Squares...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Family Circle magazine

Ingredients:
Cake
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
1/3 to 1/2 cup apricot preserves, melted and strained
Crumb Topping
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup light-brown sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin or apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar

Directions:
1) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2) Beat together butter and sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in almond and vanilla extracts. On low speed, beat in flour and salt until just blended. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
3) Fan apple slices over top, then brush with preserves. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.
4) To make crumb topping: Whisk together flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Stir in the butter until mixture is moistened and clumps together. Sprinkle evenly over cake. Bake for an additional 35 minutes. Remove pan to wire rack; cool completely.
5) Dust with confectioners sugar and cut into 24 squares.







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31 comments :

Red Nomad OZ said...

This sounds - and looks - delectable!! And it counts as a serve of fruit because of the apple, right? RIGHT???!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I have never seen anything like these, so much better than any bought grocery stores!

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

I would definitely like this dessert!
Duncan In Kuantan

Unknown said...

This would be a HUGE hit at my family of apple lover's house!

Prema said...

Wow that's really a healthy square yum...

Katarina said...

This is a great recipe!

Angie said...

This sounds fantastic ....I wonder if it would survive a 6 year olds lunch box ??? xx

sonia said...

Those look delish and wonderful for guests!

Kim said...

I will for sure love this simple dessert! Looks lovely!

Unknown said...

Ooooh you temptress... those bars look amazing! And besides chocolate, apple desserts are my favorite! I could go for a bar (or two or three) right now!

Von said...

I'm always on a lookout for snacks which travel well so I can take something interesting along with me to uni! haha....These sound great- they look so delicious! :)

Unknown said...

nice blog - take a look at my blog as well :D www.tothevenusandback.com

Pondside said...

Mary - I think many of us would think a move to your part of the world a worthwhile endeavour if it attending a pot luck to which you bring the goodies!

Cindy@NorthofWiarton said...

Oh these look and sound terrbly good Mary. Thanks for sharing.

David said...

Mary, This is my kind of treat! Apples...moist...with those crumbles! I could down 2 or 3 of these with a nice cup of coffee. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Ana Rita Marreiros said...

Hi Mary,
Those look amazing...I love everything that goes with apple. I've made that cake with apple you posteda few days ago and we loved it.i'll send you the link when i post it in the blog.
Love,
Rita
http://bembons.blogspot.com

Diane said...

I love all apple dishes so I have bookmarked this one. Thanks. Have a wonderful week. Diane

We Are Not Martha said...

These would be the perfect work snacks to get me through the day :)

Sues

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I would have happily devoured these at breakfast.

Tricia Buice said...

Very nice recipe and traveling apple squares makes it even better. I am always amazed how you post so many wonderful recipes for so many years. You are a rock star!

Laura Dembowski said...

These bars sound like a sure hit!

France@beyondthepeel said...

This would quickly become a favorite around our house.

Miss Meat and Potatoes said...

Yum. These are calling my name. I heart granny smiths!

decocinasytacones said...

These look good!, I´m a bit apple freak anyway...so I could eat those in 2 minutes.
Love
Marialuisa

Priya Suresh said...

Stunning squares, who will say no to it.

teresa said...

these are irresistible! i like that they are a bit more solid. we could take these on the road when we move!

Joanne said...

I just know I would love these with a cup of coffee in the morning! Apple desserts always sound good to me.

Daniela Grimburg said...

I love apples and,of course,apple desserts.
The apple crumb squares look delicious and are so easy to prepare.
Great recipe, thank you Mary :)
Have a Happy Easter!

Ellen Whyte said...

Yum. I looooove apples!

A PaixĂ£o da Isa said...

hum mas que maravilha de post tudo esta mt bom aspecto adorei tudo bjs e feliz semana

Unknown said...

These Sound And Look DIVINE!

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