One of the best things about fall is that dozens of varieties of crisp juicy apples begin to appear in the grocery store and at farmer’s markets. Most of us have had enough summer desserts and are excited to make new desserts with apples. The following Ultimate Apple Squares are a wonderful way to showcase Granny Smith apples as well as Honey Crisp or Pink Lady. These squares have a slightly sweet, short crust with a crumbly topping. They will remind you of an * apple pie.

You can serve these buttery squares warm or cold, plain – as is – or topped with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream. They are a great way to showcase fresh apples.


16 Servings



Crust and Topping:
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups butter, (4 cubes)
2 teaspoons vanilla

4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans

Filling:

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
4 honeycrisp or pink lady apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (or any other favorite cooking apple)

1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon apple pie spice, or English Mixed Spice

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter
5 to 6 tablespoons whipping cream

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9" x 13" or 1/4 sheet pan with non-stick spray, then line with parchment.
2. Crust: Cream the sugars and butter until light; mix in the vanilla. Measure the flour and salt into a fine strainer set over the butter mixture and shake through. Mix on low speed until crumbly. Remove 2 cups of the mixture and set aside. Press the remaining mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake about 25 minutes or until golden.
3. Filling: Toss the apples with the 1/3 cup brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and apple pie spice. When the crust is done, spread the filling over all.
4. Mix the reserved crust with the pecans and sprinkle over the top of the apples. Bake one hour to one hour 15 minutes or until the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Glaze: mix the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the bars. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 574 Calories from Fat 292
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 51% Protein 3% Carb. 46%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 32 g
Saturated Fat 17 g
Cholesterol 75 mg
Sodium 408 mg
Total Carbohydrate 66 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 5 g

Vitamin A 22% Vitamin C 10% Calcium 0% Iron 6%