Apple strudel, a classic pastry with roots in Central Europe, is a delightful treat that combines tender, thinly sliced apples with a crispy, flaky pastry. This recipe for easy apple strudel is perfect for those who want to enjoy this traditional dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a homemade apple strudel that’s sure to impress family and friends.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a delicious apple strudel from scratch. The combination of sweet, spiced apples encased in a delicate pastry creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for a holiday gathering or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, this apple strudel is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Easy Apple Strudel Recipe
For the Pastry:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
For Dusting:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
How to Make Easy Apple Strudel
Prepare the Pastry:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cut-up butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just begins to come together. You may need a bit more or less water, so add it slowly.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. If using raisins and nuts, add them to the mixture. Toss everything until well combined.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the apple mixture and stir to combine. This helps to thicken the filling and absorb any excess moisture.
Assemble the Strudel:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches. If the dough is too sticky, dust with a little flour.
- Add Filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
- Roll the Strudel: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the long sides. Pinch the edges to seal and tuck the ends under slightly to secure the filling.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled strudel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the top of the strudel with the melted butter to give it a golden, crisp finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the strudel cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the apple strudel warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The flaky, buttery pastry combined with the sweet, spiced apple filling makes for a comforting and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples:
The key to a great apple strudel is using the right type of apples. For this recipe, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Spices:
Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that complement the apples perfectly. They add warmth and depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the overall taste of the strudel.
Pastry:
The pastry for apple strudel is made from a simple dough of flour, butter, and a bit of sugar. The cold butter and minimal water help create a flaky texture that is essential for a good strudel. Rolling the dough thinly allows it to bake to a crisp, light texture.
Optional Add-ins:
Raisins and nuts are optional but add extra flavor and texture to the filling. Raisins provide a chewy sweetness, while nuts add a bit of crunch.
This easy apple strudel recipe combines classic flavors with a straightforward approach, making it a great choice for bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dessert!
