Apple Streusel Slice

🍏🍰 Apple Streusel Slice 🍏🍰

Apple Streusel Slice is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a crunchy streusel topping. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for fall or any time of the year when you’re craving a taste of apple goodness.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Apple Streusel Slice is a bit unclear, but streusel itself is a German word meaning “sprinkle” or “strew.” Streusel toppings have been used in German baking for centuries, and over time, they made their way into various desserts, including apple-based ones. Apple Streusel Slice likely evolved as a result of this culinary tradition, combining the classic pairing of apples and cinnamon with the irresistible crumbly streusel topping.

🥧 Components:

1. Apples: The star ingredient, usually Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture.
2. Streusel Topping: Made from a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, creating a crumbly texture.
3. Pie Crust or Base: A buttery pie crust or shortbread-like base that provides a sturdy foundation for the apples and streusel.

📝 Steps to Prepare Apple Streusel Slice:
Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Baking Time: About 45 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 pre-made pie crust or shortbread base

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

   • Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
   • Toss the apple slices with cinnamon and nutmeg (if using).

2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter.
   • Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour-sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Assemble the Slice:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a baking pan with parchment paper and place the pie crust or shortbread base in it.

4. Layer the Apples:

   • Arrange the apple slices evenly over the pie crust or base.

5. Add Streusel Topping:

   • Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples, covering them completely.

6. Bake:

   • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the streusel topping is golden brown, and the apples are tender.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the Apple Streusel Slice to cool before slicing it into squares or wedges.
   • Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Now you have a delightful Apple Streusel Slice ready to enjoy! It’s a perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or simply indulging in a sweet and comforting treat. 🍏🍰😋

Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Apple Streusel Slice:

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of the recipe)
• Calories: Approximately 280 calories per slice
• Total Fat: About 14 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 8 grams
  • Trans Fat: Less than 0.5 grams
• Cholesterol: Around 30 milligrams
• Sodium: Approximately 130 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: About 38 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2 grams
  • Sugars: About 20 grams
• Protein: About 2 grams
• Vitamin D: Less than 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: About 1% DV
• Iron: About 4% DV
• Potassium: About 2% DV

Health Information:

• Moderation: While Apple Streusel Slice is a delicious dessert, it is moderately high in calories, sugar, and fat. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

• Fiber: The slice contains a small amount of dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and satiety.

• Sugars: The sugar content primarily comes from the apples and the streusel topping. Be mindful of your sugar intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns related to sugar consumption.

• Vitamins and Minerals: This dessert provides small amounts of essential nutrients like iron and potassium but should not be relied upon as a significant source of these nutrients.

• Nutritional Variations: The nutritional content may vary depending on factors like the size of the slice and specific ingredients used. Modifications, such as using a lower-sugar streusel or whole-grain crust, can make the dessert slightly healthier.

• Allergens: Check the ingredients for potential allergens like wheat, dairy, and nuts, depending on the recipe variations used.

Remember that indulging in desserts like Apple Streusel Slice is fine as an occasional treat, but it’s important to balance your overall diet with a variety of nutritious foods for optimal health.