Apple squares

Portions:

16 portions

Preparation:

40 min

Cooking:

35-40 min

These apple squares are a delicious way to showcase Quebec apples, in a simple, gourmet and comforting dessert. With their generous filling of tender, fragrant apples nestled between a buttery shortbread crust and a thin, crisp layer, these squares are perfect for any occasion: snack, weekday dessert or Sunday treat.

Easy to prepare with pantry ingredients, they lend themselves equally well to Cortland or McIntosh apples, depending on the desired texture. The addition of cinnamon and brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit and perfumes the whole house as it bakes. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or cold in a lunch box, they're a hit with everyone.

This rustic dessert, typical of our Quebec traditions, embodies the tasty simplicity of home cooking based on local produce. It's also a great way to cook with apples in season, or to use those that are a little tired, while avoiding waste.

Soft, melting and crispy, these apple squares will delight sweet tooths and lovers of fruity desserts alike. A recipe to treasure in your classics notebook!

Ingredients

5-6 Québec apples(Honeycrisp or Cortland), peeled, trimmed and cut into small cubes
60 ml (4 tablespoons) golden brown sugar
1/2 lemon (juice)
160 ml (2/3 cup) soft butter
250 ml (1 cup) golden brown sugar, well compacted
5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
310 ml (1 1/4 cups) unbleached flour
310 ml (1 1/4 cups) quick-cooking rolled oats
2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) sodium bicarbonate
1-2.5 ml (1/4-1/2 teaspoon) salt
5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground nutmeg and cinnamon with a little granulated sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the first three ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil over medium heat. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, just enough to soften the apples but not to the consistency of compote.
Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, previously mixed together. Mix until a well-integrated, sandy mixture is obtained.
Spread half the dough in a well-buttered 20 cm (8") square baking tin, pressing it down lightly with the back of a fork Pour the apple mixture over the dough, then spread well. Sprinkle with sweet spices and sugar, then cover with remaining dough, spreading evenly. Press together lightly with the back of a fork, then bake the squares for 30 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and wait 30 minutes before cutting the apple squares into 16 5-cm (2-inch) pieces. Serve immediately or cover and set aside at room temperature.