Ukrainian apple squares are a rich pastry dessert with a top and bottom crust and baked apples in the center, much like a square apple pie. Like Hungarian apple strudel, Ukrainian apple squares are traditionally made around the holidays to make use of the stored apples that have become too soft for eating.
Since most of us buy our apples at the store whenever we want them, this Ukrainian dessert can be made and enjoyed at any time. Although very tasty, Ukrainian apple squares are best served in small quantities, due to the richness of the pastry.
Things You’ll Need:
9 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan, greased
3 bowls
Pastry cutter
1 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Four to six apples
1/2 cup dates
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)
Step 1
Make the filling by first peeling, coring and dicing the apples.
Step 2
Mix the diced apples with the dates, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla and 1 tsp. of cinnamon.
Step 3
Mix the flour, 1/2 cup sugar and baking powder together in a medium-sized bowl.
Step 4
Cut in the butter with two knives or a pastry cutter, much like you would with a pie crust. The resulting mixture should look like small peas.
Step 5
Combine the sour cream, eggs and vanilla in a separate bowl.
Step 6
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly incorporated.
Step 7
Spread roughly half the pastry dough in the bottom of your greased baking pan.
Step 8
Bake the bottom pastry in the oven for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Step 9
Remove the pan from the oven.
Step 10
Spread the apple mixture over the bottom crust.
Step 11
Spread the rest of the pastry dough over the apples, making sure to cover them entirely.
Step 12
Put the baking pan back in the oven and cook at 350 degrees F for another 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown around the edges.
Step 13
Cut the pastry into 16 squares.
Step 14
Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if you wish. The pastry is sweet enough without it.
