Apple Strudel is a delightful Austrian dessert that wraps tender apples, spices, and a hint of sweetness in a beautifully flaky pastry. It’s the type of dessert that instantly brightens the kitchen with its irresistible aroma and has everyone sneaking an extra slice. Whether you’re introducing it to friends for the first time or recreating a nostalgic family classic, making Apple Strudel from scratch is surprisingly approachable — and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Apple Strudel truly lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays a special role, working together to create the perfect combination of tart, sweet, and buttery flavors wrapped in a golden, crisp shell.
- Apples (6 cups, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Choose a tart variety like Granny Smith for a lovely contrast against the sweetness of the sugar.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds essential sweetness to balance the tart apples.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Lends a gentle caramel note and extra depth to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Classic spice that brings warmth and intrigue with every bite.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to enhance the filling’s aromatic qualities.
- Raisins (1/4 cup, optional): For a pop of chewy sweetness in the strudel — feel free to skip if you’re not a raisin fan.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Adds crunch and a bit of nuttiness that complements the apples.
- Phyllo dough (8 sheets, thawed): Paper-thin layers that bake up incredibly crisp and light; handle with care.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): For brushing the phyllo and creating that irresistible golden crust.
- Breadcrumbs (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled over the dough to help soak up excess juices from the apples.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that makes your Apple Strudel look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Apple Strudel
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is all about streamlining the process and ensuring your freshly rolled strudel doesn’t stick when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and if you like, the raisins and nuts. The sugars and spices will start pulling juice from the apples, creating a glossy, aromatic mix that’s delicious even before baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Phyllo Layers
Carefully lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean kitchen towel and brush it lightly with melted butter. Add another sheet on top and brush again, repeating until all eight sheets are stacked up and buttery. This process gives you the signature flaky crust that makes Apple Strudel unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Breadcrumbs and Filling
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over your top phyllo sheet. This simple step soaks up extra juices from the apple mixture, keeping the bottom of your strudel crisp. Next, spoon the apple filling in a log shape along one long edge, making sure to leave a 2-inch border for rolling.
Step 5: Roll the Strudel
Using the towel to help, gently roll the phyllo dough over the apple filling, tucking in the edges as you go to keep all that juicy goodness inside. Roll it up snugly into a log, and be gentle – phyllo is delicate!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your strudel, seam side down, to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter for an extra golden crust. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the Apple Strudel is beautifully crisp and golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the strudel cool slightly before dusting generously with powdered sugar. This final touch transforms your homemade Apple Strudel into a bakery-worthy masterpiece, ready to slice and enjoy warm.
How to Serve Apple Strudel
Garnishes
A cloud of powdered sugar on top gives Apple Strudel its iconic look, but don’t stop there! For a real treat, add a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream alongside each slice. The mix of hot and cold, creamy and crisp, is simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Apple Strudel with a cup of strong coffee, hot tea, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it with a fruit compote or a drizzle of caramel for a luxurious touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try slicing Apple Strudel into miniature rolls for a pretty dessert platter, or serve with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. Individual ramekins with single-serving strudels also look adorable and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Apple Strudel covered in the refrigerator — it will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. To help retain that lovely crispness, store it in a container lined with a paper towel and avoid stacking slices.
Freezing
To freeze, let the strudel cool completely, then wrap snugly in foil or plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Apple Strudel freezes beautifully for up to two months — simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore that crisp, flaky pastry. Avoid microwaving if you can; the oven ensures the outside stays beautifully golden while the filling warms through nicely.
FAQs
Do I have to use phyllo dough for Apple Strudel?
Phyllo dough gives this dessert its trademark delicate layers, but you can use puff pastry in a pinch. Just follow the same filling process and adjust baking time as needed — though phyllo will give you the most authentic, crisp result.
Can I make Apple Strudel ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the strudel up to a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in the fridge and then bake just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
How do I keep the strudel from getting soggy?
Sprinkling breadcrumbs on the phyllo is key; they absorb excess juices from the apples during baking. Also, avoid overfilling and be sure your apples are sliced thin so they cook evenly and don’t release too much liquid.
What’s the best apple variety for this dessert?
Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for Apple Strudel since their tartness balances the sweetness, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added complexity.
Can I make Apple Strudel vegan?
Yes, with a couple substitutions. Use plant-based butter in place of regular butter, and double-check that your phyllo dough is dairy-free — most store-bought brands are vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s a true sense of magic in serving a homemade Apple Strudel, especially when it’s still warm and fragrant from the oven. It’s an inviting, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s just as wonderful for holidays as it is for a cozy afternoon treat. Give it a try — your kitchen (and everyone you share it with) will thank you!
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Apple Strudel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Apple Strudel recipe features a flaky phyllo dough filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture, perfect for a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Strudel:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix apples, sugars, spices, raisins, and nuts.
- Assemble the Strudel: Layer phyllo sheets with butter, sprinkle breadcrumbs, add filling, and roll into a log.
- Bake: Place the strudel on the baking sheet, brush with butter, and bake until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian, German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
