Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares

🍏🍰 Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares 🧀🍏

Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all topped with a sweet and crunchy crumble topping. They are a delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of the year, but especially popular in the fall when apples are in season.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares is unclear, but they are part of the broader tradition of apple-based desserts, which have been enjoyed for centuries. Apple crumble itself has British origins, dating back to the early 20th century, and cream cheese-based desserts have been popular in various forms in the United States for decades. Combining these two elements likely resulted from creative experimentation in the kitchen.

📦 Components:
To make Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares, you’ll need the following components:

1. Apples: Usually tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for this dessert.
2. Cream Cheese Filling: Cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract are mixed together to create a creamy layer.
3. Crumble Topping: A mixture of flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon.
4. Base: A simple shortbread-like crust made from flour, butter, and sugar.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:
Here are the steps to prepare Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares:

For the Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar.
3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake the base for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:
6. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

7. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the baked base.

For the Apple Layer:
8. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Arrange them over the cream cheese layer.

For the Crumble Topping:
9. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter.

10. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
11. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.

Final Steps:
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

13. Let it cool before cutting into squares.
14. Optionally, you can drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness.

⏰ Time Needed:
Preparation time can vary, but you should allow approximately 15 minutes for assembling the ingredients and preparing the layers, and another 35-40 minutes for baking. Cooling time may take an additional 30 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares! 🍏🍰😋

Certainly! Here’s the nutrition information and some health considerations for Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 280-320 calories
• Total Fat: 16-18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9-10g
• Cholesterol: 45-55mg
• Sodium: 120-140mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32-35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugars: 20-24g
• Protein: 3-4g

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: These squares are moderately high in calories, mainly due to the cream cheese, butter, and sugar content. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional treat.

2. Fats: They are relatively high in saturated fats from the cream cheese and butter. Excessive consumption of saturated fats may contribute to heart health issues, so it’s advisable to consume these squares in moderation.

3. Sugar: These squares contain a significant amount of sugar, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Diabetics and individuals watching their sugar intake should be cautious.

4. Fiber: There’s limited dietary fiber in this dessert. Consider adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet to balance your overall nutrient intake.

5. Protein: These squares provide a small amount of protein. To make this dessert more balanced, consider pairing it with a source of protein, like a scoop of low-fat yogurt.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: While they do contain apples, which provide some vitamins and dietary fiber, the overall nutrient content is not particularly high. Consider this dessert as an indulgence rather than a significant source of nutrients.

7. Portion Control: To enjoy these squares while managing their calorie and sugar content, consider cutting them into smaller portions. A little indulgence can still be enjoyed within a balanced diet.

Remember, while Apple Crumble Cream Cheese Squares can be a delicious treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you’re conscious of your calorie, sugar, and saturated fat intake.