Best Apple Sauce Currant Spice Squares Recipes

Apple sauce currant spice squares are a delicious and healthy dessert option that is perfect for people of all ages. Made from simple ingredients such as applesauce, currants, and spices, these squares are easy to make and are a great alternative to other high-sugar desserts. In this article, we will explore more about apple sauce currant spice squares recipes and their key ingredients.

Ingredients

The main ingredients for making apple sauce currant spice squares recipes are as follows:

• Applesauce: The base of these squares is applesauce, which provides a sweet and tangy flavor without adding extra sugar.
• Currants: Currants are small, dried berries that add a burst of sweet and tart flavor to the squares. They are packed with antioxidants and other essential nutrients that promote good health.
• Spices: A blend of warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice gives these squares a comforting and cozy flavor that is perfect for fall and winter.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used as a binding agent to hold the squares together.
• Baking soda: Baking soda is used as a leavening agent to help the squares rise and become light and fluffy.
• Egg: An egg is added to the mixture to help bind everything together and give the squares a slightly cake-like texture.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar is used to add a subtle sweetness to the squares and enhance the flavor of the spices.
• Butter: Butter is used to add richness and flavor to the squares.

Preparation

To make apple sauce currant spice squares, you will need to follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, then slowly stir in the applesauce.
5. Add the currants to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the squares.
9. Allow the squares to cool slightly before cutting into 9 or 16 squares, depending on how large you want them to be.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations

Apple sauce currant spice squares can be customized to your liking or dietary needs by making the following substitutions:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
• Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or other vegan egg substitute, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
• Low-sugar: Replace the brown sugar with a low-calorie sweetener such as stevia or erythritol.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and texture.
• Other fruit: Replace the currants with other dried fruit such as raisins, chopped dates, or cranberries.

Conclusion

Apple sauce currant spice squares recipes are a delicious and healthy dessert option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Made from simple ingredients such as applesauce, currants, spices, flour, and baking soda, these squares are easy to make and are a great alternative to other high-sugar desserts. By experimenting with different variations and substitutions, you can customize these squares to your liking and dietary needs.

Making apple sauce currant spice squares can be a delightful experience for anyone who loves to indulge in fruity and spicy desserts. The recipe is easy to follow and requires a few simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, along with the warmth of spices, makes this dessert a perfect treat for fall and winter seasons. Here are some valuable tips that can help you prepare the perfect apple sauce currant spice squares.

Choosing the right apples

The key to a perfect apple sauce is choosing the right type of apples. Apples with a sweet and tangy flavor work best for this recipe. Some examples of such apples include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith. Avoid using overly sweet apples like Red Delicious, as they may make the apple sauce too sweet.

Making the apple sauce

To make the apple sauce, peel and core the apples and chop them into small pieces. In a saucepan, add the chopped apples, water, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and tender. Use a potato masher or a blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor and aroma.

Choosing the right spices

The recipe calls for a combination of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. It is essential to use high-quality spices for best results. Avoid using pre-ground spices that have been sitting in your pantry for months, as they can lose their flavor and potency. Instead, buy whole spices and grind them yourself using a spice grinder. This will ensure that the spices are fresh and impart maximum flavor to the dessert.

Adding currants

Currants are small, dried fruits that add a chewy texture and a tart flavor to the dessert. You can use either black or red currants for this recipe. However, if you do not have currants, you can substitute them with raisins or dried cranberries. Soak the currants in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the recipe. This will soften them, making them plump and juicy.

Choosing the right pan

The recipe requires a 9x13 inch baking pan. It is important to use a high-quality baking pan that will not warp or rust. Avoid using glass or ceramic pans, as they may cause the dessert to stick to the bottom, making it difficult to remove. A non-stick metal pan is ideal for this recipe, as it ensures even baking and easy removal of the squares. Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray before pouring in the batter.

Measuring accurately

Measuring the ingredients accurately is crucial for the success of this recipe. Use measuring cups and spoons to measure the flour, sugar, and spices. Do not pack the flour too tightly, as this can result in a dry and dense dessert. Sift the flour before measuring it to remove any lumps or impurities.

Mixing the batter

To make the batter, combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and add the apple sauce, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and chewy texture. Gently fold in the currants.

Baking time and temperature

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking the dessert, as this can cause it to become dry and crispy. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

Cutting and serving

Once the dessert has cooled, cut it into equal-sized squares using a sharp knife. To get neat and clean squares, wipe the knife clean after each cut. You can serve the apple sauce currant spice squares as is, or dust them with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. Serve them warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.

Conclusion

Making apple sauce currant spice squares is a fun and easy way to indulge in a fruity and spicy dessert. By following these valuable tips, you can make the perfect dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Choose the right apples, use high-quality spices, add the right amount of currants, and measure the ingredients accurately. Bake the dessert for the right amount of time at the correct temperature, and cut the squares neatly for a perfect presentation. Enjoy the warm and delicious dessert with your loved ones, and savor the flavors of fall and winter seasons.