ππ° Apple Walnut Squares ππ°
Apple Walnut Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. These squares are typically made by layering a spiced apple mixture over a buttery crust and then topping it with a crumbly walnut streusel. They are often served as a sweet treat or dessert and can be enjoyed year-round.
π History:
The exact origin of Apple Walnut Squares is not well-documented, but it’s safe to say that they are a part of the broader tradition of American apple desserts. Apples have been a popular ingredient in American cuisine for centuries, and they have been used in various forms, such as pies, crisps, and squares. The combination of apples and walnuts is likely an adaptation of European fruit and nut desserts, which were brought to America by early settlers.
π₯§ Components:
To make Apple Walnut Squares, you will need the following components:
- Apples: Typically, you’ll use tart apples like Granny Smith, which hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used to sweeten the apple filling and the walnut streusel.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices provide warmth and depth of flavor to the apple mixture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used in the crust and streusel topping.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used in both the crust and the streusel for richness and flavor.
- Baking Powder: This helps the crust and streusel rise slightly during baking.
π©βπ³ Preparation Steps:
Here’s a general outline of the steps to prepare Apple Walnut Squares:
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Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the crust.
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Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
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Prepare the Walnut Streusel:
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts.
- Cut in butter until it forms crumbs.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the apple layer.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven and bake the squares until they are golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Cool and Cut:
- Let the baked squares cool in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles.
β° Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apple Walnut Squares will vary but is generally around 1 to 1.5 hours, including preparation and baking time. Baking time usually takes about 35-45 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of your squares. It’s essential to allow the squares to cool before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Enjoy your Apple Walnut Squares! ππ°π°
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Walnut Squares:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 80-100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28-32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugars: 16-18g
- Protein: 2-3g
Health Information:
- Apples provide dietary fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants.
- Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.
- While these squares contain some sugar, you can adjust the sugar content to your preference.
- The amount of butter and sugar used can impact the overall calorie and fat content.
- Moderation is key when enjoying these dessert squares to maintain a balanced diet.
Remember that the specific nutrition facts may vary depending on the exact recipe and portion size. It’s also a good idea to use healthier substitutions if you’re looking to make this dessert a bit more nutritious, such as reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour for the crust.
