Authentic German Apfelstrudel Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced tart apples (like Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon rum
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the middle, add the oil and water into the well.
  2. Using a fork, stir the flour into the wet ingredients, until the dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, brush it with a little bit of oil, cover with a clean dish towel, and let it rest for 1 hour.
  4. While the dough is resting, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
  5. In another bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Add the apples, raisins, lemon juice, and rum, and stir until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
  6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface as thin as you can. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Spread the apple mixture over the breadcrumbs.
  8. Roll up the dough tightly from one of the long sides, tucking in the edges as you go. Place the strudel on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the strudel is golden brown.
  10. Remove the strudel from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Experiment with different types of apples such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady for varying flavors.
  • Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the filling for added crunch and texture.
  • Replace raisins with dried cranberries or currants for a different twist.
  • For a savory version, substitute the apple filling with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and onions.
  • Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  • Try a different type of crust, such as phyllo dough or puff pastry, for a lighter or flakier texture.
  • Sprinkle a layer of cinnamon sugar on top of the strudel before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Add a splash of apple cider or apple brandy to the apple filling for a boozy twist.
  • Include spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the filling for a more complex flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Get ready to indulge in a delicious homemade Apfelstrudel, a classic Austrian dessert that will instantly become a favourite. This recipe guides you through the process of creating a rich, flaky pastry filled with a perfectly sweet and tangy apple-raisin filling. Every bite of this strudel offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the delicate crunch of the pastry complementing the soft, spiced apple filling. Baking this Apfelstrudel might seem like a culinary feat, but the steps are quite simple to follow, so don't be intimidated. The end result is a beautifully golden, dusted with powdered sugar dessert that's perfect to serve for any occasion. Get ready to impress your guests and enjoy a slice of Austria's beloved pastry right at home!

Common questions

  1. What type of apples should I use for the Apfelstrudel?
    It is best to use tart apples, such as Granny Smith, for the Apfelstrudel.
  2. Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
    Yes, you can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots.
  3. Is it necessary to toast the breadcrumbs?
    Toasting the breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch and flavor to the strudel, but if you prefer, you can skip this step.
  4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
  5. Can I freeze the Apfelstrudel?
    Yes, you can freeze the baked Apfelstrudel. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a preheated oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the strudel in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Large bowl - Used to mix the flour, salt, oil, water, and other ingredients for the dough.
  • Fork - Used to stir the wet and dry ingredients together.
  • Clean dish towel - Used to cover the dough while it rests.
  • Pan - Used to melt the butter and toast the breadcrumbs.
  • Spatula - Used to stir and coat the apples with the sugar mixture.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough into a thin sheet.
  • Knife - Used to core and thinly slice the apples.
  • Basting brush - Used to brush oil onto the dough.
  • Powdered sugar shaker - Used to dust the finished strudel with powdered sugar.

Origin stories

Apfelstrudel, known as "apple whirlpool" in English, traces its roots back to the Habsburg Empire in the 17th century. As a testament to its longevity and popularity, it was declared an intangible cultural heritage by Austria in 2013. The secret to a perfect Apfelstrudel, aside from the filling, lies in its paper-thin dough. Legend has it that the dough must be so thin that one can read a love letter through it. This art of dough stretching is deemed a culinary high-wire act that takes practice and finesse, making the Apfelstrudel not just a dish, but a beloved cultural tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.