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Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel

Apple strudel, known as "Apfelstrudel" in German, is a traditional Viennese pastry that has become a beloved dessert in many parts of the world. It consists of a thin, flaky pastry wrapped around a filling of spiced apples, raisins, sugar, and breadcrumbs.

Pastry Austria Sweet Moderate

Austrian Roots

Apple strudel is a classic Austrian dessert, with its origins tracing back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is especially associated with Viennese cuisine. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the Turkish pastry "baklava" and other Middle Eastern desserts, which were introduced to Europe during the Ottoman conquests.

The Recipe

Yield 8–10 pieces
Prep Time 2 hours
Baking Time 30–40 minutes
Total Time 2 hrs 40 min

What you'll need

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Large Clean Cloth or Tea Towel
  • Dough Scraper or Bench Knife
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Brush
  • Knife or Pastry Cutter
  • Skillet or Small Pan
  • Zester or Grater
  • Cooling Rack
  • Sieve or Fine Mesh Strainer

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 125ml (½ cup) lukewarm water
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp (5ml) white vinegar

For the filling

  • 1kg (2.2 lbs) tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith) peeled, cored and thinly sliced
  • 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (5g) ground cinnamon
  • 60g (½ cup) raisins (optional)
  • 30g (¼ cup) chopped walnuts (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 60g (¼ cup) breadcrumbs
  • 60g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted

For assembly

  • 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough Combine flour and salt. Mix lukewarm water, oil, and vinegar. Gradually add wet to flour until dough forms. Knead for 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, coat with oil, cover with damp cloth and rest for 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the filling Combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, nuts (if using), and lemon zest. In a small skillet, toast breadcrumbs in melted butter until golden. Let cool and mix into the apple mixture.
  3. Assemble the strudel Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lay a clean cloth on your work surface, dust with flour. Place dough on cloth and roll as thin as possible. Stretch gently until nearly transparent. Brush with melted butter. Spread apple filling over two-thirds of the dough, leaving a border. Using the cloth, carefully roll the dough over the filling, tucking in sides. Transfer to baking sheet seam-side down. Brush top with melted butter.
  4. Bake Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly.
  5. Serve Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Slice and serve warm, optionally with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.