Apple Brazil Nut Squares
Submitted by yldrnkrazy
Elegant apple dessert bars with flaky pastry base, apricot jam layer, and Brazil nut-raisin topping served warm with whipped cream for special occasions.
YIELD
12 servingsPREP
45 minCOOK
45 minREADY
90 minThese fancy bars deserve a place at holiday dessert tables where you want something more refined than brownies but easier than pie.
A homemade butter pastry forms the base, getting slathered with apricot jam before a lush filling of shredded apples, pulverized Brazil nuts, and raisins goes on top.
Melted butter drizzled halfway through baking creates golden richness.
Cut them into squares while warm and serve with barely sweetened whipped cream and toasted almond garnish for elegant plated desserts.
Pro Tips
- Keep butter cold: Pea-sized pieces create flaky pastry; warm butter makes it tough
- Beat yolks until thick: Properly beaten yolks create light, custardy texture
- Pulverize nuts finely: Brazil nuts should be almost powder for best texture
- Serve warm: These shine fresh from the oven; reheating works but isn’t quite the same
Variations
- Use almonds or hazelnuts instead of Brazil nuts for different nutty character
- Swap raspberry jam for the apricot for tart-sweet contrast
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the filling for subtle spice
Ingredients
Directions
Mix flour and sugar in bowl. Cut butter into mixture until pieces are the size of peas. Blend the egg, lemon juice and 3 tbls water.
Sprinkle over the dry ingredients. Toss with fork until four is moistened. Press into a ball. Add last tbls of water if needed. Roll pastry into a 9×13” baking pan, building the edge up about 1".
In small bowl, beat egg yolks until fluffy. Add sugar and salt. Beat at high speed until thick and lemon colored. Blend in the nuts and raisins. Fold in the appples and cinnamon. Spread apricot jam over the pastry. Top with apple-nut mixture.
Bake at 350℉ (180℃) for 25 minutes. Drizzle with melted butter. Return to oven. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer until top is golden. Cut into squares. Serve warm with slightly sweetened whipped cream and garnished with almonds.
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