Best Apple Walnut Squares Recipes

Apple Walnut Squares Recipes - Ingredients and Process

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 medium sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add chopped walnuts and diced apples to the dry mixture and stir well.
4. In another bowl, lightly beat two eggs with a fork.
5. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the eggs and mix well.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the dry mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Cool the apple walnut squares for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What are Apple Walnut Squares?

Apple walnut squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that feature tender and moist apple cake studded with crunchy walnuts. These squares can be served for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or even as a simple dessert. The combination of fresh apples and walnuts makes these squares a perfect treat for the fall season.

How do I know if the Apples are Ripe Enough to Use?

When selecting apples for this recipe, it's important to choose apples that are ripe but still firm. Soft and mushy apples can affect the texture of the apple walnut squares, and may not hold their shape during baking. To tell if an apple is ripe, gently squeeze the apple in the palm of your hand. A ripe apple should be firm but give slightly when pressed.

How do I Store Apple Walnut Squares?

Once cooled, apple walnut squares should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. These squares can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the squares in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy them at their freshest.

Can I Make Apple Walnut Squares Ahead of Time?

Apple walnut squares can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To serve, simply remove the squares from the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. Because these squares are so easy to make, they're perfect for entertaining or for bringing to a potluck dinner.

What Variations Can I Make to the Recipe?

One of the great things about apple walnut squares is that they're incredibly versatile. You can add a variety of different ingredients to customize the flavor of these squares to your liking. For example, you can add raisins, cinnamon, or even shredded coconut to the batter for a unique twist. You can also experiment with using different types of apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, to achieve different flavor profiles. Additionally, you can use different types of nuts in place of walnuts, such as pecans or almonds, to add a different texture to the squares.

Valuable Tips for Making Apple Walnut Squares Recipes

1. Choosing the Right Apples

Types of Apples

When making apple walnut squares recipes, it is important to use the right type of apples. Apples come in a range of varieties with varying tastes, textures, and colors. When it comes to baking, the best apples for an apple walnut squares recipe are those that can hold their shape and not turn into mush. The best types of apples to use in baking are Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Fuji as they have a firm texture.

Preparation & Cutting

When selecting apples for an apple walnut squares recipe, make sure to inspect them carefully, looking for any bruises or soft spots. Once you have the apples, cut them into small pieces, making sure they are of the same size to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Preparing the Walnuts

Toasting the Walnuts

Toasting your walnuts adds a layer of depth to the flavor of your apple walnut square recipe. To toast the walnuts, preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast the walnuts until they are golden brown and smelling nutty, this usually takes between 7-10 minutes. Make sure to watch them closely as they can turn from toasted to burnt quickly.

Chopping the Walnuts

After toasting the walnuts, let them cool down before chopping them. Use a sharp knife, and chop the walnuts coarsely or finely to your liking.

3. Baking the Apple Walnut Squares

Pan Preparation

When preparing to bake apple walnut square recipes, it's important to choose the right type of pan. A square baking pan that is 9x9 inches or 8x8 inches is ideal for this recipe. Line the pan with parchment paper or lightly greased with butter or cooking spray.

Batter Preparation

The batter is the foundation of your apple walnut squares recipe, and to get them right, make sure to follow the recipe instructions correctly. Once the batter is ready, gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts. Make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure that every bite has an equal amount of apple and walnut.

Baking

When baking the apple walnut squares recipe, the oven should be preheated to 350°F. Bake the squares for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the square comes out clean. Do not over-bake, as this will cause the apple walnut squares to dry out.

4. Serving and Storage

Serving

Once the apple walnut squares have cooled down, you can cut them into squares and serve them as a snack, dessert or breakfast treat. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The apple walnut squares can also be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.

Storage

When storing apple walnut squares, always make sure they are cooled down completely. Store them in an airtight container or a plastic bag, and keep them at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to three months if wrapped properly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Making apple walnut squares recipes is easy, and with the right tips, you can make them perfectly every time. Remember to choose the correct type of apples, prepare the walnuts properly, prepare the batter correctly, and bake the squares to perfection. When serving and storing the apple walnut squares, make sure they are cool before cutting and storing them in a proper airtight container. These tips will help you create a delicious apple walnut square recipe that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.