ππ° Apple Streusel Squares ππ°
What is it?
Apple Streusel Squares are a delightful dessert consisting of a buttery, crumbly crust, a layer of sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. These squares are a perfect blend of warm, comforting flavors and a delightful texture that combines the richness of a pie with the convenience of a bar.
History:
The history of Apple Streusel Squares can be traced back to traditional European baking. Streusel, a German term meaning “sprinkle” or “strew,” refers to the crumbly topping typically made from butter, sugar, and flour. It is often used in various baked goods. Apples have long been a popular ingredient in European desserts, so the combination of apples and streusel likely evolved over time into this delicious treat.
Components:
- Crust: A buttery, shortbread-like base that provides structure and a mild sweetness.
- Apple Filling: Sliced apples tossed with sugar and spices (usually cinnamon and nutmeg) to create a flavorful, gooey layer.
- Streusel Topping: A crumbly mixture made from butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes oats or nuts. It adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Steps to Prepare Apple Streusel Squares:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 4 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, for the streusel)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
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Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/2 cup of sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
-
Create the Streusel Topping:
- In the same bowl used for the crust mixture (no need to wash it), combine the remaining flour and cubed butter until crumbly.
- Stir in the chopped nuts if you’re using them.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
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Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the apples are tender.
- Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting them into squares or bars.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Apple Streusel Squares!
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Cooling Time: Allow at least 1 hour for the squares to cool before serving.
Enjoy your Apple Streusel Squares! They make for a wonderful dessert or snack, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. π¨ππ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Streusel Squares:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 square):
- Calories: Approximately 280-320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14-16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-9 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
- Sodium: 80-100 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37-42 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 18-22 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Vitamin D: 1-2% DV
- Calcium: 1-2% DV
- Iron: 3-4% DV
- Potassium: 2-3% DV
Health Information:
- Apple Streusel Squares can be a delicious treat when enjoyed in moderation.
- They are relatively high in calories and fat due to the butter and sugar content in the crust and streusel topping.
- Apples provide some dietary fiber and vitamins, particularly vitamin C.
- The added sugar in the recipe contributes to the overall sugar content, so it’s advisable to consume these squares in moderation, especially if you are watching your sugar intake.
- If you are concerned about the calorie and fat content, you can make some modifications, like using less butter or opting for a lower-calorie sweetener.
Remember that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size you use, so it’s a good idea to calculate the exact values based on your ingredients and serving sizes for more accurate information.
