Apricot Crumble Squares

🍑🍰 Apricot Crumble Squares 🍑🍰

Apricot Crumble Squares are a delightful dessert made with a layer of sweet apricot filling sandwiched between a buttery crumble crust and topping. These scrumptious squares are the perfect combination of fruity goodness and crispy texture, making them a favorite treat for many. Here’s everything you need to know about them:

📜 History:
The exact origin of Apricot Crumble Squares is not well-documented, but crumble desserts, in general, have British roots. They are believed to have evolved from traditional British crumble recipes, which date back to World War II when rationing led to creative ways of using available ingredients. The addition of apricots or other fruits to crumble recipes likely occurred later, as people experimented with different flavors.

🥣 Components:
The key components of Apricot Crumble Squares include:

• Apricots: Fresh or canned apricots are typically used to make the fruity filling. They provide a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Crumble Mixture: This consists of a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes oats. It forms both the crust and the crumbly topping.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the apricot filling and the crumble mixture.
• Spices: Cinnamon or nutmeg can be added for extra flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice is often added to enhance the apricot’s natural taste and balance the sweetness.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

For the Apricot Filling:

1. Begin by preparing the apricots. If using fresh apricots, wash, pit, and slice them. If using canned apricots, drain them.
2. In a saucepan, combine the apricots, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apricots soften and the mixture thickens. This can take around 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

For the Crumble Mixture:
3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and your choice of spices.

4. Cut cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture.
5. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly texture. You want pea-sized butter pieces to remain for a flaky crust.

Assembly and Baking:
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.

7. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
8. Spread the cooled apricot filling over the crust evenly.
9. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apricot filling to create the topping.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
11. Allow the Apricot Crumble Squares to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

⏰ Time Needed:

• Preparing the apricot filling: 10-15 minutes.
• Making the crumble mixture: 10 minutes.
• Baking time: 25-30 minutes.
• Cooling time: Allow at least 1-2 hours for the squares to cool completely.

In total, you should allocate approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish, including cooling time, to prepare these delicious Apricot Crumble Squares. Enjoy your delightful homemade treat! 🍽️🍑🍰

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Crumble Squares:

🔍 Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Total Fat: 12-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
• Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
• Sodium: 100-150 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Vitamin C: 8-10% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 2-3% of the DV
• Iron: 6-8% of the DV

🌟 Health Information:

• Moderation: Apricot Crumble Squares can be a delightful indulgence but are best enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
• Fruit Benefits: Apricots in the filling provide vitamins, especially vitamin C, and dietary fiber. They are a good source of antioxidants.
• Fiber: The fiber in this dessert can aid digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.
• Sugar: Be mindful of the added sugar content, which contributes to the calorie count. Consider reducing sugar in the recipe if you’re looking for a healthier version.
• Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
• Balance: Enjoying such treats as part of a balanced diet is key to maintaining overall health.

Remember that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. If you have dietary restrictions or specific health concerns, it’s a good idea to consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized advice.