Danish Pastry Apple Bars (Streusel)
Danish Pastry Apple Bars feature flaky pastry layers filled with tart apples and sweet cinnamon sugar, topped with crunchy cereal streusel for a delightful treat perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg yolk and mix in 2/3 cup of milk.
- Add the egg yolk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
- On a floured surface, roll out half of the dough to fit into a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle the rolled-out dough with cereal and then layer with sliced tart apples.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the apples.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier pastry, ensure your shortening is cold before cutting it into the flour. You can substitute the tart apples with a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for added sweetness. If you're short on time, pre-made pie crust can work as a base instead. For a twist, consider adding some chopped nuts or raisins to the apple layer for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Danish Pastry Apple Bars are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a more savory option, serve alongside a light salad or a bowl of Garden Sauté for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm, which helps maintain the crispness of the pastry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danish Pastry Apple Bars (Streusel) contains roughly 2451 calories, with 38g protein, 412g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (89% of the Daily Value), and protein (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2711mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits besides apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness, and keep an eye on the baking time as different fruits may cook at different rates.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the Danish Pastry Apple Bars vegan, substitute the shortening with a plant-based butter and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg yolk. Additionally, use a non-dairy milk alternative for the milk, ensuring all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. It's important to handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it, which could lead to a tough pastry. Rolling it out between two sheets of parchment paper can also help manage stickiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).