Danish Pastry Apple Squares

Indulge in the ultimate combination of flaky, buttery pastry and warm, spiced apple filling with these Danish Pastry Apple Squares. This delightful dessert features a golden crust, made with cold, cubed butter for maximum flakiness, that sandwiches a luscious filling of tender apples enhanced with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Topped with a glossy egg wash and a simple vanilla glaze, these pastry squares are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee, this easy-to-make treat can be prepared in just over an hour, serving up nostalgia-packed flavors in every bite. Whether you're hosting a fall brunch, a holiday party, or indulging midweek, these apple squares will become a cherished go-to recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 1 piece Egg yolk
• 4 medium Apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons Nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 piece Egg white
• 0.75 cup Powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Milk (for glaze)
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

Step 3

Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg yolk, then pour into the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.

Step 5

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 6

While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 7

Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of the baking dish. Place it into the dish and press gently to fit.

Step 8

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust.

Step 9

Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apples. Pinch the edges together to seal, and trim any excess dough.

Step 10

Brush the top crust with the beaten egg white to give it a shiny finish.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 13

Make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 14

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastry. Once the glaze is set, cut the pastry into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1689.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4099.7

Total Fat 204.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 125.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 713.6mg	0%
Sodium 1372.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 537.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 266.4g
Protein 46.7g	0%

Vitamin D 200.5IU	0%
Calcium 438.5mg	0%
Iron 16.2mg	0%
Potassium 1594.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.0%

Protein: 4.5%

Carbs: 51.5%