Dessert

Apple Filled Pastry Squares with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Bynova cole February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

Apple Slices is a delightful dessert featuring a tender, flaky crust filled with sweet apple topping and finished with a luscious glaze. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

A square piece of a glazed bar dessert is lifted on a spatula from a metal baking pan. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden crumbly crust, the middle layer is a thick, shiny, caramel-colored filling with a sticky texture, and the top layer is a smooth, pale beige glaze with a slightly shiny finish. The rest of the dessert, still in the pan, shows several more pieces covered with the same glaze. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred white and soft background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt (preferably Diamond kosher salt)
¾ cup lard (non-hydrogenated, unprocessed preferred)
½ cup water
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon lemon juice
32 ounces apple dessert filling/topping
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons melted or softened butter
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons whole milk (more if needed to thin)

Instructions

Step 1: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add the lard and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a measuring cup, combine water, egg yolks, and lemon juice, then pour this over the flour mixture. Gently blend with a fork until just combined; the dough will be very moist.
Step 2: Divide the dough in half. Roll or pat one half directly into a 9″ by 13″ jelly roll pan, pressing the dough slightly up the edges. Spread the apple filling evenly over this base layer.
Step 3: Roll out the remaining half of dough on a floured surface or the back of a sheet pan. Carefully flip it over and place on top of the apple filling. Press or pinch the edges together to seal; it’s okay if the seal isn’t perfect as long as the apples are covered. Patch any holes if needed. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake at 400ºF for 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the crust is nicely browned. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.
Step 5: Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Add more milk if the glaze is too thick. Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled crust with an offset spatula and allow it to set and harden.
Step 6: Cut into 2- or 3-inch squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a flakier crust, chill the dough before rolling it out.
Use homemade apple filling with cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.
Substitute butter for lard if preferred, though texture will vary slightly.
Adding chopped nuts to the glaze gives a nice crunch and added richness.

Storage

Store apple slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For best texture, bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a low oven to refresh the crust if desired.

How to Serve

A square piece of cinnamon roll biscuit with creamy white icing is being lifted by a spatula from a silver baking tray. The cinnamon roll biscuit has a light golden brown base layer, topped with swirls of cinnamon filling visible through a smooth, glossy white icing layer covering the entire surface. The edges of the tray show some baked cinnamon filling spilling slightly over the sides. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth nearby, enhancing the cozy, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apple filling?

Yes, thaw the filling completely and drain any excess liquid before spreading it over the dough to avoid sogginess.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Texture may vary slightly.