Harvest apple squares

5
Points®
Total Time
2 hr 10 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
55 min
Serves
24
Difficulty
Easy
These easy dessert squares are a perfect, family-friendly sweet treat for a festive occasion or snacks at home. While these squares will work with a range of apple varieties, Fujis, Granny Smiths, Jonagold, McIntosh, Golden Delicious, and Braeburns are among the best choices for baking. All offer their own unique flavors but are firm enough to hold up well in the heat of the oven. With apple season hitting its peak in the autumn, these are a fun choice for Halloween or tailgate parties. Make sure to let the squares cool completely so they maintain their shape. The squares can also be combined with nonfat vanilla yogurt for a seasonal parfait.

Ingredients

White whole wheat flour

1 cup(s)

All-purpose flour

1 cup(s)

Old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup(s)

Sugar

½ cup(s), divided

Table salt

½ tsp

Unsalted butter

½ cup(s), cold, cut into pieces

Apple juice

½ cup(s)

Apple

5 medium, such as McIntosh or Golden Delicious, peeled, cored, and diced

White whole wheat flour

2 Tbsp

Ground cinnamon

1 tsp

Vanilla extract

1 tsp

Ground nutmeg

¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick foil, allowing foil to overhang rim by 2 inches on short opposite sides.
  2. Combine 1 cup of white whole wheat flour, the all-purpose flour, oats, ¼ cup of sugar, and the salt in food processor; pulse until combined. Add butter and pulse until blended. Add apple juice and pulse just until dough begins to pull away from side of bowl.
  3. Scrape dough into prepared pan. Using your hands or rubber spatula, press dough to form even layer. Bake until dough is set but not colored, 10–12 minutes. Let cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Maintain oven temperature.
  4. Meanwhile, toss together apples, remaining ¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour, the cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg in large bowl. Spoon over crust and spread evenly. Bake until apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on rack; cut into 24 squares.
  5. Serving size: 1 square