Apple and cinnamon strudel is a traditional dessert of Central European cuisine, particularly popular in Austria and the northern regions of Italy, such as Trentino-Alto Adige. It’s a classic of pastry, loved for its thin and crispy crust that encases a fragrant and enveloping filling made of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Perfect to enjoy warm, perhaps sprinkled with powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the strudel is a simple dessert with an authentic taste that brings all the warmth of tradition to the table.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Rest time: 20 Minutes
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 6
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4.5 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch salt
- as needed water
- 5 apples
- 0.6 cup sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4.5 oz raisins (optional, soak in warm water)
- 1 lemon (zest grated)
- 1.5 cups breadcrumbs
- as needed butter (melted for brushing)
Preparation
Place the flour in a mound on a work surface or in a bowl.
Pour the melted butter into the center, add the lightly beaten egg, salt, and a bit of water.
Mix first with a fork, then with your hands, adding water gradually until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough.
Knead the dough by slamming it onto the work surface to make it elastic.
Cover with a cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
Peel the apples, remove the core, and slice them thinly.
In a bowl, mix the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and grated lemon zest.
If desired, add the previously soaked and well-drained raisins.
Roll out the dough on a floured cloth until you get a thin rectangle.
Brush the surface with melted butter and spread the breadcrumbs evenly.
Distribute the filling over three-quarters of the dough, leaving about 2 inches on the short sides and one long side free.
Roll the strudel using the cloth, starting from the side with the filling.
Seal the edges well by pressing with your fingers.Place the strudel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the surface with melted butter.
Bake in a preheated oven at 392°F for about 40 minutes, until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.
The apple and cinnamon strudel is a dessert that encompasses all the fragrance and warmth of traditional recipes. Perfect to enjoy in any season, it is ideal for breakfast, a special snack, or as a dessert to serve to guests. The combination of soft apples, sugar, and cinnamon, wrapped in a thin and golden crust, makes it irresistible.
Making it at home is easier than it seems and, with a few small tricks, you can achieve a perfect result, crunchy outside and fragrant inside. Try this recipe and let yourself be conquered by its enveloping flavor! If you liked it, share it and let me know in the comments how it turned out! 😊 🍏✨
Useful Tips
Variations: You can add pine nuts to the filling for an extra touch of flavor.
How to serve it: Serve the strudel with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more delicious dessert.
Storage
The strudel can be stored up to 3 days in an airtight container.
You can reheat it in the oven at 356°F for 5 minutes to make it crispy again.
If you prefer, you can freeze it (already cooked) for up to 1 month.
FAQ – Apple and Cinnamon Strudel
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or spelt flour, but the dough will be less elastic.
How do I get a very thin dough?
The dough needs to be kneaded well and rested for at least 20 minutes. When rolling it out, use the back of your hands to gently stretch it.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for 24 hours. The filling can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.
