Edna'S Apricot Sticks
Edna's Apricot Sticks are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust layered with sweet apricot jam and topped with chopped walnuts, perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 12 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat shortening with 1/2 cup sugar and lemon rind until very light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add flour mixture, mixing well.
- Pat dough in an even layer over the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread apricot jam evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with chopped walnuts.
- Sprinkle the walnut mixture evenly over the apricot jam.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into sticks and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. If you're short on apricot jam, peach or raspberry jam can be a delightful substitute. Make sure to sift the flour well to avoid lumps, and for a touch of spice, a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the overall taste. This recipe is part of American recipes that are perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot sticks are perfect as a snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Deb'S Potato Salad at gatherings or enjoy with a light fruit salad. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter featuring other treats like Caramel Brown Sugar Pound Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apricot sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Edna'S Apricot Sticks contains roughly 213 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 525mg per serving (23% 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 a different type of nut besides walnuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit them entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it altogether to balance the flavors. This will ensure the overall sweetness of the apricot sticks remains intact.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This will make it easier to work with.
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).