Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love apple pie but want something a bit more portable and easier to serve, these Dutch Apple Pie Squares are the answer. They pack all the classic flavors of an apple pie, with a buttery shortbread crust, a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity – it’s quick to make, easy to slice, and always a hit with everyone. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature, these squares are sure to satisfy your apple pie cravings.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons of cold water (more if needed)
For the apple filling:
- 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the pie squares: Spread the apple filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the edges of the crust or streusel brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and slice: Let the Dutch Apple Pie Squares cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan, then transfer to a cutting board to slice into squares.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy at room temperature. These squares are perfect for any occasion!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-16 squares
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Fruit variations: You can swap the apples for pears, peaches, or a combination of your favorite fruits for a different flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and streusel topping to make these squares gluten-free.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Caramel drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the squares just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Dutch Apple Pie Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust for the bottom layer if you’re short on time. Just make sure to pre-bake the crust before adding the apple filling.
2. Can I make these squares in advance?
Yes! You can make them a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’re just as delicious when served the next day.
3. Can I freeze Dutch Apple Pie Squares?
Yes, these squares freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any apple variety that holds up well during baking. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal, but you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples.
5. Can I add a crumbly topping without oats?
Yes, you can omit the oats from the streusel topping if you prefer a traditional crumb topping. Just increase the flour by 1/4 cup to balance the texture.
6. How can I make the crust crispier?
To ensure a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it for 10-15 minutes at 350°F before adding the apple filling. This will help it stay firm underneath the moist apple mixture.
7. Can I add spices to the streusel topping?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the streusel topping for extra warmth and flavor.
8. Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar in the filling?
You can use maple syrup in place of sugar, but be aware that it will slightly alter the flavor and consistency. Use about 1/3 cup of maple syrup for every 1/2 cup of sugar.
9. Can I make this dessert with a double batch?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
10. Can I serve these warm with ice cream?
Yes, these Dutch Apple Pie Squares are perfect when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a delicious treat for any occasion!
Conclusion
Dutch Apple Pie Squares are a perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures, all packed into a portable, easy-to-serve bar. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crunchy streusel topping, these squares are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for dessert, at a picnic, or just for a cozy treat, these squares will always hit the spot. Enjoy!
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Dutch Apple Pie Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dutch Apple Pie Squares combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a portable square. With a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a sweet streusel topping, they are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons of cold water (more if needed)
For the apple filling:
5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
For the streusel topping:
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of rolled oats
1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
Instructions
Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the pie squares: Spread the apple filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the edges of the crust or streusel brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and slice: Let the Dutch Apple Pie Squares cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan, then transfer to a cutting board to slice into squares.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy at room temperature. These squares are perfect for any occasion!
Notes
- You can swap the apples for pears, peaches, or a combination of your favorite fruits for a different flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and streusel topping.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the squares just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
