Apple strudel, or Apfelstrudel, is a classic dessert originating from Austria, but it has become beloved worldwide. This delicate pastry features a thin, flaky crust wrapped around a filling of sweet, spiced apples, raisins, and nuts, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar, apple strudel is a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 100ml lukewarm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled and thinly sliced
- 50g raisins
- 50g chopped walnuts or almonds
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For Assembly and Decoration:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the lukewarm water, oil, and vinegar. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, coat it lightly with oil, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix the sliced apples, raisins, chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Stretch the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place a clean, large kitchen towel on your work surface and lightly dust it with flour. Roll out the dough as thinly as possible with a rolling pin.
- Gently stretch the dough using the back of your hands, working from the center outward, until it becomes almost translucent. Aim for a rectangular shape.
Step 4: Assemble the Strudel
- Brush the stretched dough with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs help absorb the apple juices during baking.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly along one short edge of the dough, leaving a border of about 2 cm.
- Use the kitchen towel to gently roll the strudel from the edge with the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the filling. Place the strudel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Strudel
- Brush the top of the strudel with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Dust the strudel with powdered sugar before serving. Slice it into pieces and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard sauce.
Tips for Success
- Dough tips: The dough needs to be stretched thinly but handled delicately. A properly rested dough is easier to stretch without tearing.
- Apple variety: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the sugar and raisins.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of rum to the raisins or a bit of lemon zest to the apple filling for extra depth.
Apple strudel is a timeless dessert that beautifully balances flaky pastry with a warm, spiced apple filling. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a simple treat for family and friends, this classic recipe is sure to impress. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of strudel-making and have a new favorite dessert to share.
Guten Appetit!