Classic Homemade Apple Strudel Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup of unsalted butter
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of light brown sugar
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
2 cups of finely chopped apples
2 cups of finely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup of raisins
1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup of rum
8 sheets of phyllo dough
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the melted butter, stirring until the sugars dissolve.
Add the chopped apples, walnuts, raisins, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the apples soften.
Add the rum to the pan and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Set the mixture aside to cool.
Place one sheet of phyllo dough on the prepared baking sheet and brush it lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs over the top. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets of phyllo, stacking them on top of each other.
Once all sheets are stacked, spread the cooled apple mixture along the length of the phyllo stack, leaving a 2-inch border on all sides.
Fold in the short sides of the phyllo, then roll the strudel up like a log, starting from one of the long sides.
Brush the top of the strudel with more melted butter and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the strudel to cool for about 10 minutes before dusting it with powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm.

Tools for making

Baking sheet - Used to bake the apple strudel in the oven.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Large pan - Used to cook the apple and nut filling.
Brush - Used to brush melted butter onto the phyllo dough and the strudel.
Knife - Used to chop the apples, walnuts, and other ingredients.
Measuring cups - Used to measure the butter, sugar, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons - Used to measure the cinnamon, lemon zest, and other spices precisely.
Grater or zester - Used to grate the lemon zest.
Spatula or wooden spoon - Used to stir and mix the filling in the pan.
Pastry brush - Used to dust the strudel with powdered sugar.

Recipe variations

Use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough for a flakier crust.
Replace walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for different nutty flavors.
Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots to the filling for a touch of tartness.
Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile.
Try using different types of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the regular flour in the filling with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free phyllo dough or pastry.
Create a savory strudel by replacing the apples with roasted vegetables like butternut squash, onions, and bell peppers. Omit the sugar and cinnamon and add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
For a vegan option, use plant-based butter or margarine instead of regular butter and skip the addition of raisins.

Recipe overview

This Apple Strudel recipe is a delightful treat that hails from traditional Austrian cuisine. The recipe involves wrapping a flavorful filling of apples, walnuts, raisins, and spices in delicate layers of phyllo dough. The result is a crispy, flaky dessert that's sweet, nutty, and wonderfully satisfying. The process is enjoyable and fairly straightforward, requiring only basic baking tools. As the strudel bakes, it fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that's truly irresistible. After a quick dusting of powdered sugar, you're left with a beautiful dessert that's perfect for serving at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy this Apple Strudel warm from the oven for the best experience!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?
While the recipe calls for apples, you can certainly experiment with other fruits such as peaches or pears for a different flavor profile.
Can I substitute the walnuts with a different type of nut?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts.
Can I omit the raisins?
Yes, if you don't like raisins or don't have them on hand, you can omit them from the recipe without any major impact on the overall outcome.
What can I use instead of rum?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol or don't have rum available, you can substitute it with apple juice or apple cider for a similar flavor.
Can I make the strudel ahead of time?
While the strudel is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat it gently in the oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking the strudel.
Parchment paper - Non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet, preventing the strudel from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Large pan - A wide, deep pan used for cooking the apple mixture.
Pastry brush - A brush with bristles used for brushing melted butter onto the phyllo dough.
Knife - A sharp kitchen utensil used for chopping the apples and slicing the strudel.
Measuring cups and spoons - Utensils used for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Grater or zester - A tool used for grating the lemon zest.

Origin stories

Dating back to the 17th century, the apple strudel is a classic recipe that hails from Austria. It was the Habsburg Empire’s pride and joy, an emblem of its culinary prowess. The apple strudel was so beloved, in fact, that it was often likened to the Turkish baklava, a pastry that swept through Vienna during the same period. The strudel’s unique layering technique, with paper-thin dough encasing a sweet, spiced apple filling, was celebrated as innovation. The recipe, with its variations, quickly spread across Europe. Today, it stands as a testament to Austria’s rich and flavorful history, a delightful pastry that continues to charm palates worldwide, just as much as it did centuries ago.

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.