Apple Strudel: A Taste of Austrian Tradition
Savor the sweet, flaky perfection of apple strudel, an iconic Austrian dessert featuring spiced apples wrapped in layers of crisp phyllo pastry.
Apple strudel, a beloved pastry hailing from the heart of Austria, is an iconic dessert that has captured the imaginations and taste buds of dessert lovers around the world. This timeless treat embodies the essence of comforting simplicity, where thinly sliced apples are lovingly coated in sugar and cinnamon, then nestled within layers of paper-thin phyllo dough. The result is a masterpiece of culinary artistry—a flaky, golden-brown confection that marries the warmth of spiced apples with the delicate crispness of pastry. It's a dessert that carries with it the spirit of tradition and the promise of heartwarming indulgence.
What makes apple strudel truly iconic is its ability to transcend borders and bring people together through shared delight. Whether enjoyed in a cozy Austrian café, a bustling European bakery, or your own kitchen, a slice of apple strudel evokes a sense of nostalgia and an appreciation for the time-honored craft of pastry making. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting from the oven is a testament to the enduring appeal of this dessert. Apple strudel is a celebration of the sweet, simple pleasures in life—a dessert that speaks to the soul and welcomes all to partake in its delicious heritage.
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or similar)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 package phyllo dough (thawed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving - optional)
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Pastry brush
Sharp knife
- Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, raisins (if using), chopped walnuts or almonds (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss the mixture well to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.
- Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Assemble the Strudel
- Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean kitchen towel, with the long edge facing you. Brush the sheet lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with butter again. Repeat this process until you have a stack of 6-8 phyllo sheets.
- Step 4: Add the Apple Filling
- Spoon half of the apple filling along the long edge of the phyllo stack, leaving a border on the sides. Carefully fold in the sides and roll up the phyllo, starting from the long edge with the filling. Place the strudel, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process for the second strudel.
- Step 5: Bake the Strudel
- Brush the tops of the strudels with the remaining melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the strudels are golden brown and crisp.
- Step 6: Serve Warm
- Allow the apple strudels to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar. Serve warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy!
- Slice the apple strudel into portions and savor the warm, flaky layers of phyllo pastry filled with sweet and spiced apples. It's a delightful Austrian dessert that's perfect for fall or any occasion when you crave a comforting treat. Enjoy!
This Apple Strudel recipe combines the sweet and aromatic flavors of apples, cinnamon, and nuts encased in layers of delicate, crispy phyllo pastry. Hailing from Austria, this classic dessert is a true testament to the art of pastry-making, resulting in a delightful treat that's perfect for enjoying during the fall season or whenever you want to indulge in a taste of old-world charm.
