Apple Strudel Recipe

Introduction

Apple strudel is a classic pastry filled with tender, spiced apples and raisins wrapped in delicate, flaky dough. This comforting dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 recipe Strudel Dough
• 4 apples (567g), peeled and cored
• 1 cup (170g) golden raisins, packed
• 1/2 cup (113g) hot water
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (71g) light brown sugar, packed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1/2 cup (57g) fine bread crumbs
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Grate the peeled and cored apples using the medium holes of a box grater. Transfer the grated apples to a fine mesh strainer and squeeze well to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: Place the golden raisins in a small heat-safe bowl and pour the hot water over them. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then drain and press out any excess liquid.
4. Step 4: In a food processor, combine the soaked raisins, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is well blended and slightly pasty. Add 3 tablespoons of melted butter and pulse again. Transfer to a bowl and gently fold in the grated apples by hand. Set the filling aside.
5. Step 5: Stretch the strudel dough as per your dough recipe instructions. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the fine bread crumbs. Evenly distribute the apple filling over the bread crumbs. Carefully roll up the strudel and trim the ends as directed in your dough recipe. Transfer the rolled strudel to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Brush the top of the strudel with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add chopped toasted walnuts or almonds to the filling.
• If you prefer a sweeter strudel, increase the sugar slightly or drizzle with honey before serving.
• Use a clean kitchen towel to gently stretch the dough without tearing it.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a special touch.

Storage

Store any leftover apple strudel wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze wrapped securely for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the apple strudel dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared a day in advance and kept wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before stretching and filling.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely. Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can be used to create a different but equally delicious filling. Adjust the sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your fruit.

Apple Strudel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

This classic Apple Strudel recipe features a flaky strudel dough wrapped around a spiced apple and raisin filling. The filling is made by combining grated apples, soaked golden raisins, sugars, lemon zest, cinnamon, and ginger, all enveloped in a buttery crust and baked until golden and crisp. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for showcasing seasonal apples with a balance of sweetness and warm spices.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Austrian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strudel Dough

• 1 recipe Strudel Dough

Filling

• 4 (567g) apples, about 1 1/4 pounds, peeled and cored
• 1 cup (170g) golden raisins, packed
• 1/2 cup (113g) water, hot
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (71g) light brown sugar, packed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1/2 cup (57g) fine bread crumbs
• Turbinado sugar, as needed, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the strudel.
2. Prepare the apple filling: Grate the peeled and cored apples using the medium holes of a box grater. Transfer the grated apples to a fine mesh strainer and press firmly to remove excess moisture to prevent a soggy filling.
3. Soak the raisins: Place the golden raisins in a small heat-safe bowl. Pour hot water over them and let soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess liquid to soften the raisins and plump them for the filling.
4. Make the spiced filling mixture: Combine the soaked raisins, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until well combined and the mixture is slightly pasty. Add the melted butter and pulse again to incorporate. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, then gently fold in the grated apples by hand.
5. Assemble the strudel: Stretch the strudel dough as instructed in the dough recipe until very thin. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with fine bread crumbs to absorb moisture and add texture. Spread the apple and raisin filling evenly over the bread crumbs. Carefully roll up the dough, trimming edges as needed, and transfer the strudel to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Finish and bake: Brush the strudel with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar for a crispy, sweet crust. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the strudel to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Remove excess moisture from grated apples to ensure the strudel does not become soggy during baking.
• Soaking the raisins softens them and enhances their flavor in the filling.
• Use fine bread crumbs inside the strudel to absorb juice and add subtle texture.
• Brush the dough with melted butter before and after filling to achieve a golden, flaky crust.
• Allow the strudel to cool before slicing to help the filling set and prevent it from spilling out.

Keywords: Apple Strudel, Classic Dessert, Spiced Apple Recipe, Austrian Pastry, Holiday Dessert, Homemade Strudel