Traditional Apple Strudel

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Apple strudel is a classic dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of tart apples, warm spices, and flaky pastry. Perfect for fall or any time you have a craving for something sweet and homey. This traditional recipe is straightforward and will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.

Ingredients for Traditional Apple Strudel

Apples: The star of the show. Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice tang against the sweet filling.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to complement the apples without overpowering them.

Raisins: Add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.

Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices are essential for that classic strudel flavor, adding warmth and depth.

Breadcrumbs: Absorb the juices from the apples to keep the pastry from getting soggy, ensuring a perfectly flaky crust.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the pastry and helps brown the crust to a golden perfection.

Walnuts: Provide a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spices and fruit.

Lemon juice: Enhances the tartness of the apples and prevents them from browning too quickly.

Phyllo dough: The delicate, flaky layers create the perfect vessel for the strudel filling. It's store-bought, so no need to worry about making pastry from scratch!

Powdered sugar: A light dusting adds a touch of elegance and sweetness right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your phyllo tears, don't panic. Just patch it with another piece.
  • Chill your apples before slicing to make them easier to handle.
  • Soak raisins in warm water or rum for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the filling.
  • Keep the phyllo covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Apple strudel is delightful on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced tea or a glass of dessert wine for an elegant finish to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can experiment with other tart or sweet-tart varieties, but avoid overly sweet apples as they can become mushy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze apple strudel?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Traditional Apple Strudel Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot when your strudel is ready to bake. While that's heating up, grab a large bowl and combine your sliced apples, sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until those apple slices are well coated and infused with all those lovely flavors.

Clear a clean surface and lay out your phyllo dough. This part calls for a gentle hand—phyllo can be delicate. Brush it generously with some of your melted butter. This helps crisp it up and adds flavor. Now, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the dough. This might seem odd, but trust me, it keeps the pastry from turning into a soggy mess.

Spread your apple mixture along one side of the dough, making sure to leave a border. This bit of space will help you roll it up without everything spilling out. Next, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the apple mixture for an added crunch.

Now for the fun part: rolling it up. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, keeping it as tight as you can without tearing the dough. It's like rolling a burrito but a bit more delicate. Brush the outside of your strudel with the remaining melted butter, making sure to cover it thoroughly—this gives you that golden, crispy crust.

Transfer your rolled-up strudel onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color. Once out, let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice it up and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Brings out the natural sweetness of apples without being overly sugary.
  • Perfect balance of textures: crunchy, flaky, and juicy.
  • Great for impressing guests with minimal effort.
  • Can be made ahead and served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

2 lbs tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 lemon, juiced
1 sheet phyllo dough
Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated.
3. On a clean surface, lay out the phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the dough to prevent sogginess.
5. Spread the apple mixture along one side of the dough, leaving a border.
6. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the apple mixture.
7. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, ensuring it is tightly packed.
8. Brush the outside of the roll with remaining melted butter.
9. Place the strudel onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
11. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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