Northeastern American Birnbrot

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Swiss Birnbrot is transformed into a Northeastern American delight by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The original recipe typically uses dried pears, while this version swaps them for fresh apples, which are abundant in the Northeastern United States. Additionally, the use of walnuts adds a distinct nuttiness and crunch to the pastry. The spices are also adjusted to include cinnamon, a staple in Northeastern American baking, and a touch of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. We alse have the original recipe for Birnbrot, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the cold cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.
7. 7.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle of about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. 8.
   Spread the apple and walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Carefully roll the dough, starting from one of the longer sides, into a log shape.
10. 10.
    Transfer the rolled pastry onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with a little maple syrup for a golden finish.
11. 11.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions.
13. 13.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Walnuts — Toast the walnuts before chopping them to enhance their nutty flavor. Be careful not to over-toast them, as they can become bitter.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter filling, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the apple and walnut mixture.
• Serve the Birnbrot warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
• If you prefer a more rustic look, you can leave the edges of the pastry exposed instead of sealing them completely.

Serving advice

Northeastern American Birnbrot is best served warm, allowing the flavors to fully develop. It can be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast pastry, a comforting dessert, or a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the Birnbrot with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish each slice with a small apple slice or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.