Homemade Classic Apple Strudel

Welcome to the wonderful world of Austrian pastry making! This classic apple strudel recipe brings together crisp apples, warm spices, and delicate pastry layers to create a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting. The secret lies in achieving that perfectly flaky, paper-thin dough that crackers with each bite, revealing a tender spiced apple filling studded with plump raisins and crunchy walnuts.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Strudel

The magic of this apple strudel lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each bite offers layers of crispy pastry, giving way to tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. The addition of walnuts provides a lovely crunch, while raisins add natural sweetness and complexity to every mouthful.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon white vinegar

For the Filling:

• 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup walnuts, chopped
• ½ cup raisins
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
• ½ cup melted butter

For Finishing:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Melted butter for brushing

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl
2. Combine egg, water, oil, and vinegar in a separate bowl
3. Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients
4. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic
5. Rest dough for 30 minutes under a warm bowl

Making the Filling

1. Peel and slice apples thinly
2. Mix with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg
3. Toast walnuts until fragrant
4. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter until golden

Assembly

1. Roll dough on a floured cloth until paper-thin
2. Brush with melted butter
3. Sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs
4. Layer apple mixture, leaving borders
5. Add raisins and walnuts
6. Roll using the cloth as support
7. Transfer to baking sheet
8. Brush with melted butter

Baking

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown
3. Cool for 15 minutes
4. Dust with powdered sugar before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect Strudel

• Keep the dough well-rested and at room temperature
• Use a clean cotton cloth for rolling
• Slice apples uniformly for even cooking
• Work quickly once the dough is stretched
• Ensure edges are sealed well before baking

Storage and Serving

Store your apple strudel covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to recreate that fresh-baked crispness. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Recipe Notes

All ingredients used in this recipe are halal-friendly. However, feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your dietary preferences and needs.