Custardy Apple Squares

Through some magic of chemistry, the apples, which go into the pan in a mishmash, seem to line themselves up and they come out baked through but retaining just enough structure to give you something to bite into. That it can be served minutes out of the oven makes this the perfect last-minute sweet. — Dorie Greenspan



3 medium juicy, sweet apples, such as Gala or Fuji, peeled

1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/3 cup (67 g) sugar

Pinch of fine sea salt

2 tsp (10 mL) pure vanilla extract

6 tbsp (90 mL) whole milk, at room temperature

2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)



Centre a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 400 F. Butter an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Slice the apples using a mandoline or a sharp knife, turning the fruit as you reach the core. The slices should be about 1/16th inch (1.5 mm) thick — elegantly thin, but not so thin that they’re transparent and fragile. Discard the cores.

Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a small bowl. Working in a large bowl with a whisk, beat the eggs, sugar and salt together for about 2 minutes, until the sugar just about dissolves and, more important, the eggs are pale. Whisk in the vanilla, followed by the milk and melted butter. Turn the flour into the bowl and stir with the whisk until the batter is smooth.

Add the apples, switch to a flexible spatula and gently fold the apples into the batter, turning everything around until each thin slice is coated in batter. Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top as evenly as you can — it will be bumpy; that’s its nature.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown, uniformly puffed — make sure the middle of the cake has risen — and a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.

Using a long knife, cut the cake into 8 squares. Give the squares a dusting of confectioners’ sugar before serving, if you’d like. Whipped cream, crème fraîche or ice cream makes a great partner.



Makes 8 servings



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