Apfelstrudel
Cuisine: German Type: Dessert/Confection AKA: Apple Strudel

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Apples
4 large (800)
Sugar
1 cup (200)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (120)
Raisins
1 cup (150)
Walnuts
1 cup (100)
Cinnamon
2 teaspoon (10)
Butter
1 stick (113)
Phyllo Dough
8 sheets (240)
Powdered Sugar
1 cup (120)
Vanilla Ice Cream
1 scoop (60)
Totals
67 oz
(1,913 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Flour
200
Butter
150
Apples
400
Sugar
100
Breadcrumbs
50
Raisins
50
Cinnamon
10
Lemon Juice
10
Powdered Sugar
20
Total Calories
990
Totals
1,980 kcal
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the vegetable oil and lukewarm water.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing the apples. Place them in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Add this mixture to the sliced apples and gently combine.
7. On a clean and lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle. It should be thin enough to see through but not tear easily.
8. Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Spread the apple filling evenly over the buttered dough, making sure to leave the edges clear.
10. Carefully lift one side of the dough and start rolling it up, using the parchment paper to help you. Roll the strudel tightly, tucking in the edges as you go.
11. Transfer the rolled strudel onto the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
12. Brush the top of the strudel with melted butter to promote browning and sprinkle some sugar over it.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the strudel turns golden brown and crisp.
14. Remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
15. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
16. Enjoy your homemade Apfelstrudel!
Substitutions
- Apples: You can substitute apples with pears or peaches. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Sugar: Brown sugar or honey can be used as a substitute for white sugar. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Raisins: You can replace raisins with dried cranberries or currants. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Cinnamon: Nutmeg or cardamom can be used as alternatives to cinnamon. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Bread crumbs: Crushed graham crackers or crushed cookies can be used instead of bread crumbs. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Butter: Margarine or vegetable oil can be substituted for butter. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Phyllo dough: Puff pastry sheets can be used as a substitute for phyllo dough. Adjust the baking time as per the instructions on the puff pastry package.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Granulated sugar can be used instead of powdered sugar. Simply sprinkle it over the strudel before serving.
Note: It is important to consider that these substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish.
Pairings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Cinnamon sugar
- Chai tea
- Hot apple cider
- Coffee
- Riesling wine
- Apple brandy
- Nutmeg dusting
Upgrades
1. Improve Presentation:
- Dust the top of the Apfelstrudel with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve the strudel slices on a decorative plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a visually appealing presentation.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a luxurious and indulgent look.
2. Improve Texture/Flavor Profile:
- Enhance the texture by adding a handful of finely chopped toasted almonds or walnuts to the apple filling for a delightful crunch.
- Infuse the apple filling with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to elevate the flavor profile and add warmth.
- Incorporate a small amount of lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness of the apples.
3. Elevate with Luxurious/Premium Ingredients:
- Use high-quality butter puff pastry instead of regular pastry dough for a flakier and more buttery crust.
- Upgrade the apples to a premium variety such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith for a more complex and flavorful filling.
- For an extra touch of luxury, soak the raisins in rum or brandy before adding them to the filling, imparting a rich and boozy flavor.
Remember, these enhancements are optional and can be tailored to your personal preferences and desired level of extravagance. Enjoy your next-level Apfelstrudel!
Diet Restrictions
- Replace regular all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for individuals with gluten intolerances or celiac disease.
- Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol instead of regular sugar for individuals with diabetes or those who prefer to limit their sugar intake.
- Opt for a low-fat or reduced-fat pastry dough to reduce the overall fat content for individuals watching their fat intake.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance or those following a dairy-free diet, use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil instead of butter in the pastry dough.
- Consider using a mix of different apple varieties to enhance the flavor without adding extra sugar.
- To reduce the calorie content, use a smaller amount of sweetener or skip the sugar altogether, as the natural sweetness of the apples may be sufficient.
- Include a variety of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive sugar.
- Serve smaller portions or cut the strudel into smaller slices to control portion sizes for those watching their calorie intake.
- If catering to vegan diets, ensure that all ingredients used (including pastry dough) are free from animal products, such as eggs or butter.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dough to increase fiber content.
- Replace white sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or reduce the amount of sugar used.
- Opt for a lower-fat alternative to butter, such as unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas, to reduce saturated fat.
- Increase the amount of cinnamon and other spices for added flavor without adding extra calories.
- Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to the filling for extra protein and healthy fats.
- Consider using a mixture of different apple varieties to enhance the nutritional profile.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of flaxseeds for added protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Reduce the portion size to enjoy a smaller, satisfying serving without overindulging.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch.
2. Opt for pre-sliced apples instead of peeling and slicing them yourself.
3. Replace traditional raisins with more affordable dried cranberries or chopped dates.
4. Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, as the natural sweetness of apples will still shine through.
5. Skip the homemade breadcrumbs and use crushed graham crackers or crushed cornflakes as a cheaper alternative for the filling.
6. Consider using a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg instead of expensive spices like cardamom or allspice.
7. Use melted butter instead of clarified butter for brushing the pastry, saving time on the preparation process.
8. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream instead of making a homemade sauce to save both time and money.
9. Make smaller individual strudels instead of a large one, reducing baking time and portioning the servings effectively.
10. Freeze any leftover strudel for future use, ensuring no wastage and saving time on future preparations.