Traditional Czech Apple Štrúdl Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of warm milk
  • 2 teaspoons of dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup of white sugar
  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 cups of peeled and finely chopped apples
  • 1 cup of chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup of raisins
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it appears frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and white sugar.
  3. Mix the yeast mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients.
  4. Add the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir to form a smooth dough.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean dish towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  7. While the dough is rising, combine the chopped apples, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a bowl.
  8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  9. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  10. Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangle, roll up the dough, pinching the edges to seal.
  11. Place the rolled strudel on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  12. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  13. Bake the strudel for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
  14. Let the strudel cool before dusting it with powdered sugar and slicing to serve.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fruit such as peaches, pears, or berries instead of apples.
  • Replace the walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
  • Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the fruit mixture for extra flavor.
  • Try using whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make a savory version by using spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes as the filling.
  • Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top of the baked strudel for a decadent touch.
  • Experiment with different spices such as ginger, cloves, or allspice to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Replace the raisins with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped apricots.
  • Create a vegan version by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and omitting the egg.

Recipe overview

Štrúdl, also known as apple strudel, is a delightful and comforting dessert that originates from Central Europe. This recipe will guide you in creating a homemade version of this classic pastry, filled with a sweet and flavorful mixture of apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. The process involves making a yeast dough, preparing the filling, assembling, and then baking the strudel to a golden-brown perfection. The end product is a flaky and tender pastry with a warm, sweet, and slightly spiced filling, dusted with powdered sugar. It's a dessert that's sure to impress at any gathering or simply as a special treat for a regular day. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

  1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of dry yeast?
    Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for dry yeast in this recipe. Just make sure to activate it by dissolving it in warm milk before adding it to the other ingredients.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour?
    While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour such as bread flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
  3. Can I replace the apples with other fruits?
    Certainly! Feel free to substitute the apples with other fruits such as pears or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness and cooking time accordingly.
  4. Can I omit the nuts or raisins?
    Absolutely! If you have allergies or simply prefer not to use nuts or raisins, you can omit them from the recipe without any major adjustments needed.
  5. Can I freeze the Štrúdl?
    Yes, you can freeze Štrúdl. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Use mixing bowls to combine ingredients and prepare the dough.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Accurately measure the ingredients for the recipe.
  • Baking sheet - Use a baking sheet to place the strudel for baking.
  • Parchment paper - Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Rolling pin - Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape.
  • Basting brush - Use a basting brush to brush melted butter or egg wash onto the strudel.
  • Clean dish towel - Cover the dough with a clean dish towel while it rises.
  • Spatula - Use a spatula to transfer the baked strudel onto a serving plate.
  • Powdered sugar shaker - Dust the strudel with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Sharp knife - Slice the strudel into individual servings.

Origin stories

Deep in the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a culinary masterpiece emerged, its name - Štrúdl. Inspired by the Ottoman Empire's baklava, it began its journey in the 17th century as a simple pastry enjoyed by the Viennese. However, as it made its way through the different regions, it adopted various local influences. When it reached the shores of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the recipe was adapted to include traditional ingredients like apples, nuts, and raisins. Today, it stands as a detour from the traditional Viennese strudel, a sweet testament to the culinary fusion that resulted from the historical intermingling of cultures. With every bite of this sumptuous treat, one can taste the whispers of its intriguing past.

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.