Apple Strudel Recipe | How to Make the Perfect Strudel at Home
1. Introduction
Imagine the aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and butter filling the air as the flaky layers of dough melt away with every bite. That’s the magic of a freshly baked Apple Strudel—an irresistible dessert that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a cozy evening, or a special celebration, this classic pastry is sure to impress.
Apple strudel is the epitome of comfort food. It combines tender, spiced apples with a crispy, buttery crust that’s perfect for any occasion. What makes this recipe even better is how customizable it is—you can adjust the sweetness, the spices, or even the crust based on your preferences. The result? A warm, satisfying dessert that everyone will adore.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make an authentic apple strudel from scratch with step-by-step instructions. By the end, you’ll have a beautifully baked dessert that you can serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or just a dusting of powdered sugar. Ready to create this delicious masterpiece? Let’s get started!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Before diving into the preparation, let’s take a look at the ingredients that will create this flaky, flavorful Apple Strudel:
- Apples (6 medium-sized): The star of this dessert, apples should be firm and tart to provide the perfect balance with the sweetness of the strudel. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tangy flavor and firm texture, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious if you prefer a sweeter apple.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Sugar sweetens the apple filling and helps caramelize the fruit during baking. For a healthier option, you can substitute white sugar with honey or maple syrup, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): A classic spice that adds warmth and depth to the filling. You can also add nutmeg (¼ tsp) for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Lemon juice adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from turning brown. It also balances the sweetness of the filling.
- Butter (3 tbsp): Butter adds richness to the filling and helps the apples soften during baking. You can substitute with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version or use dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
- Raisins (optional, ¼ cup): Raisins add sweetness and a bit of chewiness to the filling. If you don’t like raisins, you can easily omit them or replace them with chopped dried cranberries or currants.
- Puff Pastry or Strudel Dough (1 package): The base of your strudel, giving it that delicious flaky texture. You can use store-bought puff pastry to save time or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free puff pastry.
- Egg (1, beaten): This will be used to brush the dough for a golden, shiny finish.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness.
Substitutions & Dietary Preferences:
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a bit of sugar for a golden shine.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use a gluten-free pie crust.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to create the perfect Apple Strudel from scratch:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin wedges or small cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Add raisins if you’re using them, and stir until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some juice.
Step 2: Prepare the Strudel Dough
- If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 14×10 inches. Be careful not to stretch the dough too thin.
- If you’re making your own strudel dough, prepare it according to your recipe instructions and roll it out into a thin, even sheet.
Step 3: Assemble the Strudel
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the prepared dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the apple mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches on each side for folding.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the apples to form a log shape. Pinch the seams together to seal the strudel.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
- Brush the top of the strudel with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish.
- Optionally, make a few small slashes on top of the strudel with a sharp knife to help it bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Strudel
- Bake the strudel in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and flaky.
- Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. You can cover the strudel with foil if it’s getting too dark.
Step 6: Let It Cool
- Once done, remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cutting board.
- Slice it into individual pieces and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
4. Tips and Variations
- For a Crispy, Golden Crust: Be sure to brush the dough with the egg wash for that perfect golden color. You can even sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Flavor Variations: While traditional apple strudel is made with apples, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or cherries. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling for a deeper flavor.
- Extra Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch in your strudel, sprinkle some chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) on top of the apples before folding the dough.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use plant-based milk for the egg wash to make a dairy-free version.
5. Serving Suggestions
This Apple Strudel is a delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to make your presentation extra special:
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve the strudel with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair the strudel with a cup of hot espresso or black tea to balance the sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the strudel for a rich, indulgent twist.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Apple Strudel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the pastry from becoming soggy, try to store it in a way that allows airflow around the crust.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked strudel by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place it in the oven straight from the freezer (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
- Reheating: To reheat leftover strudel, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 30-40 seconds.
7. Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: The strudel dough can be prepared a day in advance. You can also make the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight.
- Best When Fresh: While leftovers are still delicious, apple strudel is best served fresh when the crust is crisp and flaky.
- Equipment Tip: If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle to roll out the dough.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Calcium, Iron | 2%, 6% |
Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Austrian
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 package puff pastry or strudel dough
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare apple filling with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and raisins.
- Roll out dough and add apple mixture.
- Fold dough and seal edges.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes, slice, and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes:
- Best served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
This Apple Strudel recipe is an easy way to bring a touch of Austria to your home. The flaky, buttery crust paired with the sweet, spiced apple filling is a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it on a special occasion or a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let me know how your Apple Strudel turns out in the comments below!