Swedish Apple Nut Strip

Swedish Apple Nut Strip Recipe - A Delicious Swedish Dessert

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 8

Introduction

Swedish Apple Nut Strip is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon in a flaky pastry. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

History

The Swedish Apple Nut Strip is a traditional Scandinavian dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is often served during the fall and winter months when apples are in season. This dessert is a favorite at holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp sugar, divided
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup butter
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup Mott's cinnamon apple sauce, divided
0.25 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 tsp ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 2 tbsp of sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Stir in the egg and form the dough into a ball.
Cover the dough and chill it for 15 minutes.
Divide the dough in half.
On a lightly greased baking sheet, shape each half into a 10x2-inch rectangle.
Make a 1-inch wide indentation in the center of each rectangle and fill each indentation with 0.5 cup of applesauce.
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1 tbsp of sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture along the sides of the applesauce filling on the dough.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Allow the baked dough to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Cut the dough into 1-inch diagonal slices.
Allow the slices to cool completely.
Store the slices in an airtight container.

Variations

Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or honey on top for extra sweetness.
Mix in raisins or dried cranberries to the applesauce filling for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before shaping it to ensure a flaky and tender pastry.

- Be sure to evenly distribute the applesauce and walnut mixture on the dough for a balanced flavor in every bite.

- Allow the baked dough to cool slightly before cutting it into slices to prevent it from crumbling.

- Store the slices in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Serving Suggestions

Swedish Apple Nut Strip is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flaky pastry for Swedish Apple Nut Strip is to cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. This will create layers in the dough as it bakes, resulting in a tender and crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have applesauce on hand, you can use apple pie filling or fresh diced apples instead. You can also use margarine or shortening in place of butter.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Swedish Apple Nut Strip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply shape and bake the dough when you're ready to enjoy this delicious dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced Swedish Apple Nut Strip on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Swedish Apple Nut Strip pairs well with a glass of apple cider, sparkling wine, or a hot toddy. It also goes well with a cheese platter or a charcuterie board for a savory contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Swedish Apple Nut Strip in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swedish Apple Nut Strip contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swedish Apple Nut Strip contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swedish Apple Nut Strip contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Swedish Apple Nut Strip contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Swedish Apple Nut Strip is a good source of vitamin C from the applesauce and walnuts.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and nuts (walnuts). It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Swedish Apple Nut Strip is a moderately high-calorie dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Swedish Apple Nut Strip is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon in a flaky pastry. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy this delicious treat with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Swedish Apple Nut Strip. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of apples from the nearby orchard. I had been invited to a friend's house for a cozy afternoon of baking, and she had promised to teach me her grandmother's famous recipe.

As we gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, my friend began to regale me with tales of her grandmother, a formidable woman with a fiery spirit and a love for all things sweet. She had learned to make the Swedish Apple Nut Strip from her own mother, who had brought the recipe with her when she immigrated to America from Sweden many years ago. It was a family tradition, passed down from generation to generation, and my friend was determined to keep it alive.

As we got to work, my friend guided me through the process with ease, her hands moving deftly as she peeled and sliced the apples, toasted the nuts, and mixed the dough. I watched in awe as she kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic, then rolled it out into a thin rectangle on a floured surface. She spread the apple and nut mixture evenly over the dough, then carefully rolled it up into a tight spiral, sealing the edges with a brush of egg wash.

As we waited for the Swedish Apple Nut Strip to bake, the warm, spicy aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally ready, we pulled it out of the oven, golden brown and bubbling with gooey goodness. My friend cut us each a slice, the pastry still warm and soft, the apples tender and sweet, the nuts crunchy and fragrant. It was a revelation, a taste of tradition and love that warmed my heart and filled my belly.

As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a link to the past and a promise for the future. I thanked my friend for sharing her family's treasure with me, and vowed to pass it on to my own grandchildren one day. For in this simple Swedish Apple Nut Strip, I had found more than just a delicious dessert—I had found a connection to my heritage, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and keep us rooted in our history.

And so, every fall, as the leaves turn and the apples ripen, I make the Swedish Apple Nut Strip in my own kitchen, filling my home with the same warmth and love that my friend's grandmother had once shared with her. And as I take a bite of the flaky pastry, the sweet apples, and the crunchy nuts, I am transported back to that crisp autumn day, filled with excitement and promise, and grateful for the gift of family, tradition, and good food.