Danish Pastry Apple Squares
Indulge in the ultimate combination of flaky, buttery pastry and warm, spiced apple filling with these Danish Pastry Apple Squares. This delightful dessert features a golden crust, made with cold, cubed butter for maximum flakiness, that sandwiches a luscious filling of tender apples enhanced with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Topped with a glossy egg wash and a simple vanilla glaze, these pastry squares are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee, this easy-to-make treat can be prepared in just over an hour, serving up nostalgia-packed flavors in every bite. Whether you're hosting a fall brunch, a holiday party, or indulging midweek, these apple squares will become a cherished go-to recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 piece Egg yolk
- 4 medium Apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons Nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 piece Egg white
- 0.75 cup Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk (for glaze)
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg yolk, then pour into the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat evenly.
Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of the baking dish. Place it into the dish and press gently to fit.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apples. Pinch the edges together to seal, and trim any excess dough.
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg white to give it a shiny finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastry. Once the glaze is set, cut the pastry into squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4100 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 204.1 g | 262% | |
| Saturated Fat | 125.7 g | 628% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 714 mg | 238% | |
| Sodium | 1373 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 537.1 g | 195% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.2 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 266.4 g | ||
| Protein | 46.7 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 438 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 1594 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
