Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel is a delightful pastry filled with sweet apples and raisins, all wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry. It’s a classic dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The warm spices and sugary glaze make it an irresistible treat to enjoy at any time of the year.

Why Make This Recipe Making Apple Strudel is a great way to use fresh apples, especially during the fall season when they are in abundance. This dessert is simple to prepare, and you get a warm and cozy feeling with each slice. Plus, the smell of baking apples and cinnamon fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or just a lovely treat for yourself.

How to Make Apple Strudel Ingredients:

• 1 package store-bought puff pastry dough (thawed)
• 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Cinnamon glaze (4 ingredients):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry dough to fit your desired size. Use a rolling pin if needed.
3. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, golden raisins, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about an inch border on all sides.
5. Carefully roll the puff pastry over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the strudel.
6. Place the rolled strudel seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
8. While the strudel is baking, prepare the cinnamon glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
9. Remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the top before slicing and serving warm.

How to Serve Apple Strudel Serve the Apple Strudel warm, sliced into pieces. You can enjoy it plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra treat. It can also be dusted with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

How to Store Apple Strudel If you have leftovers, store the Apple Strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for a few more days. To reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature for a short time until warm.

Tips to Make Apple Strudel

• Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed before rolling it out to avoid tearing.
• You can mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor, like using Granny Smith and Fuji apples.
• For an added flavor, consider adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, in the apple mixture.

Variation (If Any) Want to change it up a bit? You can add spices like nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for a different taste. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat pastry dough.

FAQs:

1. Can I use other fruits in the strudel? Yes, you can replace apples with pears or berries for a different flavor.

2. Is it okay to make the strudel in advance? Yes! You can prepare the strudel and keep it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to bake it the same day you want to serve it.

3. Can I freeze Apple Strudel? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked strudel. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just bake it from frozen, adjusting the time as needed.