A Classic Family Recipe

If you grew up with a grandma who always had something baking, you already understand the magic of handwritten recipes. This Danish Pastry Apple Bars recipe comes straight from my grandma’s recipe box, written on a worn card and baked the same way for decades.

This is a classic family recipe, passed down and loved, not reinvented. Like many traditional Midwestern desserts, you may find similar versions out there, but this is the exact recipe my grandma used every time. It is simple, reliable, and nostalgic in the best way.

With a flaky pastry crust, layers of cinnamon apples, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these apple bars are perfect for holidays, fall baking, or anytime you want a dessert that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love These Danish Pastry Apple Bars

Old-fashioned apple dessert with a flaky pastry crust
Not overly sweet, perfectly balanced with cinnamon apples
Made in a sheet pan and easy to slice and serve
A true classic family recipe passed down through generations

Danish Pastry Apple Bars Recipe

Ingredients

Pastry Dough

2½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening
1 egg yolk
Milk, enough to make ⅔ cup liquid total with the egg yolk

Apple Filling

8 to 10 tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
1 cup cornflakes
¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 to 3 tablespoons flour
Optional: lemon peel
Optional: a couple tablespoons lemon juice

Topping and Glaze

1 egg white
1 cup powdered sugar
3 to 4 teaspoons milk
A few drops vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the apples

Place sliced apples in a large bowl. Toss with lemon juice if using. Add sugar, cinnamon, flour, and optional lemon peel. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the pastry dough

Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix the egg yolk with enough milk to make ⅔ cup liquid. Stir into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Assemble the base

Roll out half of the dough into a 7 x 12 inch rectangle. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 15½ x 10½ x 1 inch baking pan.

Sprinkle cornflakes evenly over the dough. Spread the apple mixture on top.

Step 4: Add the top crust

Roll remaining dough into an 8½ x 10½ inch rectangle and place over the apples. Seal edges and cut small slits in the top.

Beat egg white until frothy and brush over the top crust. Reserve any leftover egg white for the glaze.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 375°F for about 50 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze

While bars are still warm, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and remaining egg white until smooth. Drizzle over the bars.

Notes From My Kitchen

This is a classic family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Variations of Danish pastry apple bars exist, but this is the version my grandma always made and the one I grew up with.

The bars store well and taste even better the next day.