Norwegian Apple Squares: A Taste of Home

The scent of warm apples and spice always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t Norwegian, but she adopted this recipe from a dear friend and made it her own. Every fall, the aroma of these apple squares would fill her house, a comforting signal that the holidays were just around the corner. To me, these squares are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug and a sweet memory rolled into one.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 (9×13 inch) pan
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• For the Base and Topping:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

• For the Apple Filling:

  • 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced very thinly (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice (or cinnamon)

• For the Icing:

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons hot water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Peeler
• Knife
• Sifter (optional, for flour)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and creates a tender crumb.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and creates a lighter texture. If you don’t have a sifter, whisk the flour and baking powder thoroughly.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough dough.
5. In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and almond extract. The almond extract adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
6. Mix the egg mixture into the dough until everything is well incorporated. The dough will be quite sticky, which is normal.
7. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the squares from sticking and ensures easy removal.
8. Press half of the dough into the prepared pan using your fingers. Because the dough is sticky, you might find it helpful to lightly oil your fingertips with cooking spray or a bit of neutral oil. Distribute the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan.
9. In a medium bowl, mix the thinly sliced apples with the allspice (or cinnamon). Make sure the apples are coated evenly with the spice. The thin slices will soften perfectly during baking.
10. Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the dough in the pan.
11. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the apples. Don’t worry about covering all the apples completely; a rustic look is part of the charm. Gently press the dollops of dough down slightly to help them adhere to the apples.
12. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on the squares during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
13. Let the apple squares cool completely in the pan before frosting. This will prevent the icing from melting and running.
14. While the squares are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, hot water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to achieve a thin, drizzling consistency.
15. Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled apple squares.
16. Cut the squares into even portions and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use brown butter. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before using.
• If the dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
• To prevent the edges of the squares from over-browning, you can cover the pan with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• For a more intense apple flavor, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the apple filling.
• A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans over the icing adds a delightful crunch.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Norwegian Apple Squares are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Storage: Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat individual squares in the microwave for a few seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	15g	23%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	70mg	23%
Sodium	200mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	50g	17%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	30g	–
Protein	4g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute. For the icing, use a dairy-free milk alternative instead of water.
• Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices such as cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger.
• Fruit Variations: Try using other fruits such as pears, peaches, or berries in place of the apples.
• Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of apple?
A: Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples all work well in this recipe. Choose your favorite variety based on its flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before pressing it into the pan.

Q: My dough is too sticky. What can I do?
A: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to work with. You can also lightly oil your fingers when pressing the dough into the pan.

Q: How do I know when the apple squares are done?
A: The apple squares are done when the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The apples should also be tender.

Q: Can I freeze these apple squares?
A: Yes, these apple squares freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Norwegian Apple Squares as much as I do. They’re a perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a festive holiday dessert. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or fruits to create your own unique version. And please, share your creations and feedback—I’d love to know how yours turn out! Consider pairing them with a warm cup of spiced cider for the ultimate autumn experience. Happy baking!