Description
Homemade chicago-style bakery apple squares combine buttery pastry with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples for a classic Midwestern dessert. Generous layers of caramelized fruit nestled between flaky crusts promise comfort in each delightful bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (2 ½ sticks / 280 g) unsalted butter, chilled
- 4 cups apple pie filling (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 mL) ice water, plus more as needed
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl, then grate chilled butter over dry ingredients, stirring gently to create a crumbly mixture.
- Dough Consolidation: Add ice water gradually, kneading until the dough forms a cohesive mass, then divide into two equal rectangles and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Crust Layering: Roll out one dough rectangle and carefully line a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring complete bottom coverage with the pastry.
- Filling Distribution: Spread apple pie filling evenly across the bottom crust, maintaining a consistent layer from edge to edge.
- Top Crust Formation: Roll out the second dough rectangle, drape over the filling, and seal edges by crimping and pinching, then create strategic ventilation slits across the surface.
- Baking Process: Place the pan in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the pastry achieves a rich golden-brown color and crisp texture.
- Finishing Touch: Allow the baked squares to cool completely on a wire rack, then prepare a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
- Glaze Application: Once cooled, generously spread the glaze over the pastry surface, allowing it to set naturally before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Butter Chilling Technique: Freeze butter for 15-20 minutes before grating to achieve ultra-flaky pastry texture and easier handling.
- Dough Resting Importance: Refrigerating dough allows gluten to relax, preventing tough crust and ensuring tender, delicate pastry layers.
- Apple Filling Tip: Pat apple slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture and maintain crisp bottom crust integrity.
- Glaze Consistency Trick: Add milk gradually to control thickness, ensuring smooth drizzle that sets perfectly without running off the pastry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 162 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg