Description
This Traditional Apple Strudel recipe features a crisp, flaky pastry wrapped around a warm, spiced apple filling. It is a comforting, family-friendly dessert that turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed (or plant-based butter alternative)
- 0.5 cup ice water, approx.
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, sliced (or Honeycrisp or Braeburn)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup raisins (optional)
- 0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare The Pastry: In a large bowl, combine flour and cubed cold butter. Work butter into flour with fingertips or pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. Gradually add ice water (1 tbsp at a time), mixing until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. If too dry, add 1-2 tbsp more ice water. Form dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Make The Filling: While pastry chills, toss peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Mix gently to coat apple slices evenly.
- Assemble The Strudel: On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled pastry thinly into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches/30×45 cm), almost translucent. Spread apple filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border on all sides. Carefully roll up the pastry tightly from one of the longer sides. Pinch and seal the ends securely.
- Bake To Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully transfer the rolled strudel to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until pastry is a deep golden brown and crisp, and filling is bubbly. For extra shine, brush with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water) before baking.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative. For gluten-free, use a GF all-purpose flour blend. Ensure apples are drained and use enough breadcrumbs to prevent a soggy bottom. Rotate strudel halfway through baking for even browning. Reduce sugar to 0.25 cup and add 0.5 tsp more cinnamon for a healthier twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 65 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: apple strudel, flaky pastry, traditional dessert, easy dessert, family-friendly, fall recipe, baking, comforting, apple, cinnamon