Best Apple Pecan Dessert Squares Recipes

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APPLE PIE BARS



Apple Pie Bars image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     dessert

Time 2h

Yield 12 bars

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced 1/8 inch thick (3 large)
1 1/2 pounds Golden Delicious apples, peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced 1/8 inch thick (3 large)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • For the crust, place the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, until light and creamy. Sift the flour and salt together and, with the mixer on low, slowly add to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until combined. Scatter two-thirds of the dough in clumps in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and press it lightly with floured hands on the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, and set aside to cool.
  • Meanwhile, put the mixing bowl with the remaining dough back on the mixer, add the walnuts and cinnamon, and mix on low speed to combine. Set aside.
  • Reduce the oven to 350 degrees.
  • For the filling, combine the Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples and lemon juice in a very large bowl. Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix well. Melt the butter in a large (10-inch-diameter) pot, add the apples, and simmer over medium to medium-low heat, stirring often, for 12 to 15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated. Spread the apples evenly over the crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  • Pinch medium pieces of the remaining dough with your fingers and drop them evenly on top of the apples (they will not be covered). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is browned. Cool completely and cut into bars.

APPLE PECAN COBBLER



Apple Pecan Cobbler image

This is an excellent cobbler to make in the fall when the weather starts to turn cooler.

Provided by Lori Smith

Categories     Desserts     Nut Dessert Recipes     Pecan Dessert Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups thinly sliced apples
½ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
½ cup evaporated milk
⅓ cup butter, melted
¼ cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Generously grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  • Arrange apple slices in an even layer in the baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup pecans. Sprinkle mixture over apples.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl whisk together egg, evaporated milk, and melted butter. Pour milk mixture into flour mixture all at once, and stir until smooth. Pour mixture over apples, and sprinkle top with 1/4 cup pecans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403.6 calories, Carbohydrate 61.4 g, Cholesterol 48.2 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 214.5 mg, Sugar 46 g

APPLE PECAN CRUMBLE BARS



Apple Pecan Crumble Bars image

Oats, apples and pecans come together in these crumble bars that are baked to perfection - a tasty dessert.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 3h15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 boxes (12 oz each) frozen harvest apples
2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with foil, leaving foil overhanging at 2 opposite sides of pan; spray foil with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar and salt. Add melted butter, stirring until well mixed. Press two-thirds of the mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until set.
  • Meanwhile, cook apples in microwave as directed on package. In medium bowl, mix apples, pecans and cinnamon; spoon over partially baked crust. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture.
  • Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on cooling rack 2 hours. Use foil to lift from pan. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250, Carbohydrate 28 g, Fat 3, Fiber 2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 100 mg

APPLE CRUMB BARS



Apple Crumb Bars image

This has been a favorite apple bar recipe of mine for many years. I've made these apple crisp bars for parties and for family, and they're always a hit. -Barbara Pickard, Union Lake, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/4 cups cold butter, divided
5 to 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda; cut in 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 2 cups for topping. Press remaining crumbs into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Arrange apples over top; set aside. , In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, vanilla and remaining butter. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thick and bubbly; spread over apples. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. , Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 174 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 94mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

Apple pecan dessert squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and crunchy pecan topping, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. There are many variations of this recipe, with different crusts and additions, but the basic concept remains the same. In this article, we'll take a look at what makes these dessert squares so good, why they're so popular, and how you can make them at home.

The Appeal of Apple Pecan Dessert Squares

What makes apple pecan dessert squares so delicious is the combination of flavors and textures. The buttery crust is a perfect base for the sweet and slightly tart apple filling. The pecan topping adds a crunchy and nutty flavor, which complements the softness of the apples. The dish is sweet but not overly so, making it a great dessert to serve after a heavy meal. The flavor profile of this dessert is complex and sophisticated, making it an excellent option for entertaining.

Ingredients

The essential ingredients for making apple pecan dessert squares are flour, butter, apples, sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Additional ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor, like vanilla extract or nutmeg. The crust can be made with either all-purpose flour or a mix of flour and almond flour, which adds a nutty flavor. Some recipes call for the addition of sour cream to the crust to make it more tender. The apples can be peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or hazelnuts.

Preparation

Making apple pecan dessert squares is relatively easy, but it requires some preparation. The crust is made by mixing the flour, butter, and sugar, and pressing it into the bottom of a baking dish. The apple filling is made by mixing sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour, which thickens the mixture. This mixture is then poured on top of the crust. The pecan topping is made by mixing pecans with sugar and butter, and then sprinkling it over the apple filling. The dish is then baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.
Variations
There are many variations of the apple pecan dessert squares recipe, which can be tailored to personal preference. Some recipes use graham crackers as the crust, which adds a bit of sweetness. Others add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the apple filling, which makes the dish creamier. Some recipes also call for the addition of raisins or cranberries to the filling, which adds a bit of tartness. The toppings can also be varied, with some recipes calling for streusel or crumble toppings instead of pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Apple pecan dessert squares can be served warm or cold. They are delicious on their own or can be paired with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce. The dish is often served as a dessert but can also be served as a snack or breakfast item. It is an excellent dish to bring to potlucks, picnics or as a holiday dessert.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple pecan dessert squares are a delicious dessert that is easy to make and customizable to personal preference. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a sophisticated dessert that is suitable for entertaining. With the right preparation, it can be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Apple pecan dessert squares are the perfect dessert for any season. The combination of sweet apples and crunchy pecans make for a delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you're an expert baker or a novice, these tips will help you create the perfect dessert squares that are sure to impress.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Apples

When making apple pecan dessert squares, it's important to choose the right type of apples. You want to use an apple that will hold its shape and not turn to mush when baked. A good choice is a firm apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples have a tart flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the dessert.

Tip 2: Toast the Pecans

Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dessert squares will bring out their nutty flavor and add a delicious crunch. To toast the pecans, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Be sure to watch them closely as they can quickly burn.

Tip 3: Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients is important when making apple pecan dessert squares. Room temperature ingredients will mix together more easily and create a more even texture. Be sure to take the eggs, butter, and cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you begin baking.

Tip 4: Don't Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter can cause the dessert squares to become dense and tough. It's important to mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Use a spatula or wooden spoon and fold the ingredients together gently.

Tip 5: Line the Baking Dish with Parchment Paper

Lining the baking dish with parchment paper will make it easier to remove the dessert squares from the pan. Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and allow the edges to hang over the sides. This will create handles that will make it easy to remove the dessert squares from the pan once they are baked.

Tip 6: Add Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Adding cinnamon and nutmeg to the apple pecan dessert squares will add warmth and depth to the flavor. You can adjust the amount of spice to your liking, but a good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Tip 7: Chill the Dessert Squares

After the apple pecan dessert squares are baked, it's important to chill them in the refrigerator before cutting them into squares. Chilling the dessert squares will help them to set and become easier to cut. Let them chill for at least an hour before cutting into squares.
Conclusion
Making apple pecan dessert squares can be an easy and delicious way to impress your family and friends. By following these tips, you'll have a dessert that is sure to be a hit. Remember to choose the right apples, toast the pecans, use room temperature ingredients, don't overmix the batter, line the baking dish with parchment paper, add cinnamon and nutmeg, and chill the dessert squares before cutting. Happy baking!

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