Save It A delightful twist on classic Dutch apple pie, these bars feature a spiced apple filling, buttery crumb topping, and a tender shortbread base—perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a comforting dessert.
I made these Dutch Apple Pie Squares for a fall potluck, and they disappeared within minutes. The warm apple aroma always brings nostalgic comfort!
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (shortbread crust): 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Granulated sugar (shortbread crust): 1/2 cup (100 g)
- All-purpose flour (shortbread crust): 2 cups (250 g)
- Salt (shortbread crust): 1/2 teaspoon
- Apples (apple filling): 4 large (about 600 g; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- Brown sugar (apple filling): 1/2 cup (100 g)
- All-purpose flour (apple filling): 2 tablespoons
- Ground cinnamon (apple filling): 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Ground nutmeg (apple filling): 1/4 teaspoon
- Lemon juice (apple filling): 1 tablespoon
- All-purpose flour (crumb topping): 3/4 cup (100 g)
- Brown sugar (crumb topping): 1/3 cup (70 g)
- Granulated sugar (crumb topping): 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Ground cinnamon (crumb topping): 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt (crumb topping): 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (crumb topping): 6 tablespoons (85 g), cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make shortbread crust:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Form and bake crust:
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Mix apple filling:
- In a large bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust.
- Prepare crumb topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top and bake:
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and slice:
- Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Save It I remember baking these with my kids, each of us sprinkling crumb topping and sneaking apple slices. It’s now a cherished part of our autumn weekends.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the squares warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. They are also delicious at room temperature for a grab-and-go treat.
Flavor Variations
Try mixing pears with apples or adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture to the topping. Changing up the spices can create your own twist.
Required Tools
Essential equipment includes a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or wooden spoon, pastry cutter or fork, parchment paper, knife, and cutting board.
Save It These Dutch Apple Pie Squares deliver classic flavor in a shareable format. They’re sure to become a favorite at any family gathering or holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What apples are best for the squares?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples offer the best balance of tartness and sweetness for these bars.
- → How should I store leftover squares?
Keep squares in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, or refrigerate up to a week.
- → Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add delightful crunch and flavor to the crumb topping.
- → Is it possible to use pears instead of apples?
Pears, or a blend of pears and apples, work well for an enjoyable flavor variation.
- → Can I freeze the squares?
Freeze cooled squares in layers separated by parchment paper for up to two months. Thaw before serving.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the squares use butter and do not contain meat, making them vegetarian-friendly.