Apple Puff Pastry Squares

Name: Apple Puff Pastry Squares
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: Rennet apple 4; Sugar ¾ cup; Lime zest and juice 1; Butter; Almond slices 4 ½ tbsp; Puff pastry (2 rectangular rolls) 1 lb; Butter melted to taste; Almonds sliced ¼ cup; Sugar ¼ cup; Powdered sugar to taste

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Vegetarian

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Makes: 34 pieces
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Apple puff pastry squares bring a taste of Northern Italy right into your kitchen. Really good stuff. These squares have that homemade vibe with their golden, flaky crust and creamy apple filling that’s sweet, but not overly sweet. The apples? They’re softened in butter, sprinkled with sugar, and mixed with both lime zest and lime juice. And that gives them a bright, tangy kick you don’t usually find in Italian apple pastries. Seriously, this combo of warm, soft apples and that hint of citrus makes them stand out from your usual easy apple dessert. Before wrapping it all up, a layer of sliced almonds adds crunch and a nutty flavor to every bite. Pretty simple, yet so satisfying. Whether you’re making a snack for yourself or sharing with friends—these hit the spot.

In the Trentino-Alto Adige region, apple treats are cherished. But these puff pastry apple squares have that unique twist from the lime and almonds. And here's the thing: it sets them apart from the classic apple strudel. You get a moist and aromatic center, tucked inside a light shell. It turns perfectly crispy as it bakes. Fans of quick apple pastry recipes will love how you only need a handful of ingredients. Yet, the result tastes like something from a small-town Italian bakery. To be honest, these are the kind of treats you want with a cup of coffee or tea, especially on a cool afternoon.

The mix of tender fruit and crunchy nuts, all wrapped up in a flaky shell, is super super satisfying. Whether you call them homemade apple pastries, apple tart squares, or just simple apple puff pastry, this treat hits the sweet spot between dessert and snack. Each bite gives you a bit of nostalgia and a lot of flavor, proving that sometimes, the best sweets are the ones that keep things easy and let the ingredients shine. So next time you crave something sweet and satisfying, reach for these apple puff pastry squares and enjoy the comforting taste of Northern Italy.

INGREDIENTS

Rennet apple 4

Sugar ¾ cup (150 g)

Lime 1 - zest and juice

Butter (80 g)

Almond slices 4 ½ tbsp (25 g)

Puff pastry 1 lb (460 g) - (2 rectangular rolls)

For decoration: Butter to taste - melted; Almonds ¼ cup (25 g) - sliced; Sugar ¼ cup (50 g); Powdered sugar to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Apple Puff Pastry Squares

To prepare the apple puff pastry squares, first clean the apples. Core them and cut them into fairly thin slices 1. In a pot, melt the butter, then add the lime zest 2 and the apples 3.

Add the sugar 4, lime juice 5, and stir 6. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. A syrup should form that will thicken and caramelize over time, while the apples will break down into a compote-like consistency. Once ready, let it cool completely.

On a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, lay out the puff pastry and prick it with a fork 7. Spread the sliced almonds 8 on the surface to enrich the filling and partially protect the pastry from the moisture of the filling. Pour the apple compote 9 and spread it over the surface, leaving 3/4 inch from the edges.

Place a second puff pastry sheet on top 10 and seal the edges well 11. Brush with melted butter 12.

Sprinkle the surface first with sliced almonds 13 and then with sugar 14. Using a knife, apply pressure to score the top layer of the pastry and the filling, but not the bottom layer, creating lines on the surface: 4 on the short side and 6 on the long side 15. This way, you'll form the squares.

Once this is done 16, bake in a static oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes 17. For perfect browning, check during the final minutes that the sugar has caramelized; if not, place the baking sheet on the top rack and continue baking for a few more minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Separate the squares with your hands or a knife, and dust with powdered sugar. Your apple puff pastry squares are ready to be enjoyed 18.

Storage

The apple puff pastry squares can be stored in the refrigerator, in a closed container, for 1-2 days.

Advice

Renette apples are ideal, but other types work too. This dessert is perfect for using up apples that are about to become mealy. If you don't have lime, you can use lemon. You can customize the squares by adding to the filling: raisins, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, or chocolate chips. They are delicious when served warm with a quenelle of unsweetened cream.

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