Apple Crumb Squares

🍏🥧 Apple Crumb Squares 🍏🥧

What is it?
Apple Crumb Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the goodness of apples with a buttery, crumbly topping. They are typically made with a sweet, tender apple filling and a crunchy crumbly layer on top. These squares are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for dessert or even a sweet snack.

History:
The exact origin of Apple Crumb Squares is a bit unclear, but it can be traced back to traditional American apple pie and crumble recipes. The concept of combining apples with a crumbly topping likely evolved over time. Apples have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, and various recipes featuring apples have been passed down through generations.

Components:

1. Apples: You’ll need fresh apples, usually peeled, cored, and sliced.
2. Crumbly Topping: A mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes oats or nuts, which forms the crumbly texture.
3. Filling: A mixture of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes lemon juice to add flavor and prevent browning.
4. Spices: Cinnamon and sometimes nutmeg are common spices used for flavor.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making delicious Apple Crumb Squares:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 cups of peeled, sliced apples
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional for extra texture)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan (usually 9×9 inches).

2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Toss to coat the apples evenly.

3. In another bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, softened butter, flour, oats (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Take about half of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will be the base of your squares.

5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crumbly base.

6. Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the apples, creating a crumbly topping.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

8. Allow the Apple Crumb Squares to cool before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling: 30 minutes (approximately)

So, you can enjoy these scrumptious Apple Crumb Squares in about 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to finish. They make for a wonderful treat, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! 🍏🥧😊

Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Apple Crumb Squares:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 calories per square (varies based on size and ingredients)
• Total Fat: 10-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-30 milligrams
• Sodium: 70-100 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Vitamin C: 4-6% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 2-4% DV
• Iron: 4-6% DV

Health Information:

• Caloric Content: Apple Crumb Squares are moderately high in calories due to the combination of sugar, butter, and flour in the crumbly topping. It’s important to enjoy them in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake.

• Fat Content: These squares contain a moderate amount of fat, primarily from butter. While fat is an essential nutrient, excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain, so it’s advisable to consume them in moderation.

• Sugar: Apple Crumb Squares are sweet due to the added sugar. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to various health issues, including obesity and dental problems. Consider reducing the sugar content if you’re looking for a healthier option.

• Fiber: There’s a small amount of dietary fiber in the apples used in this recipe, which can aid in digestion. However, the overall fiber content is relatively low, so consider adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet for better digestive health.

• Vitamins and Minerals: These squares provide a small amount of vitamin C and trace amounts of calcium and iron from the apples and other ingredients. While they’re not a significant source of these nutrients, apples do offer some health benefits.

• Moderation: As with most desserts, Apple Crumb Squares should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence. Consider healthier variations that use less sugar or incorporate whole grains for a better nutritional profile.

Remember that the exact nutrition values can vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s a good idea to adjust the recipe to better suit your needs.