Desserts

Apple strudel

⏱ 45 min🍳 35 min👤 8 pp★★★☆☆

Apple strudel is a classic dessert of the mountain regions, South Tyrol in particular. An intoxicating dish that evokes home and first cold snap of winter, much loved by children because it contains a fruit which never fails to please - the apple. This version also includes a bit of dried fruit, a dusting of cinnamon and some jam, but if you wish you can change the contents according to taste, adding other ingredients such as chocolate, berries, peanuts etc. The outcome will be delicious. Needless to say it will disappear in seconds! Strudel is always enjoyable: the day seems less tiring after a nice slice for breakfast; it’s lovely for tea, while sipping a cup of tea or coffee; and as a dessert at a dinner party where it will impress your guests. And now it's our turn, let’s make this fantastic dessert together: apple strudel, a recipe just for you...

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving

Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
58g
Fat
18g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
45 minutes Preparation time
35 minutes Cooking time
Serves 8 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Melt the butter in a bain marie and put the raisins to soak in warm water. Arrange the flour so as to form a well in the middle, place a lightly beaten egg in the centre, a pinch of salt, 80g of melted butter and a tablespoon of warm water. Knead until you have a smooth yellow dough. Let it stand for an hour, after which time roll out the dough into a thin sheet on a lightly floured cloth. Brush the pastry with 30 g of melted butter. Arrange the thinly sliced apples on the pastry and sprinkle over the cinnamon, always leaving 3 or 4 cm of free space around the edge. Add the raisins and pine nuts. Cover with sugar mixed with grated lemon zest. Fold in the edges to hold back the filling, then roll the strudel up with the aid of the cloth. Place it on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and brush with the remaining melted butter. Bake the apple strudel for about 35 minutes at 200°C. Let it cool and sprinkle with icing sugar.

Tips
Strudel can be kept for 2-3 days in sealed dessert container, for example. To give it a touch of something extra you can sprinkle it with powdered sugar. In addition, prior to cooking, you can brush the strudel with milk instead of the egg.
Trivia
The Alpine valleys of northeast Italian is today the cradle of the strudel. Apple production, especially in the valleys of Trentino, has certainly contributed to the spread of this delicious local specialty. Strudel is the oldest variant of a Turkish dessert called Baklava.

Step by step

Prepare the flour
Prepare the flour
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Apple Strudel with Raisins and Pine Nuts

One of the tastiest variations of Apple Strudel is certainly the one that includes raisins and pine nuts. This combination enriches the filling, giving the dessert a natural sweetness and an unexpected crunch. The raisins, after being soaked, become tender and blend perfectly with the apples, while the pine nuts add a touch of flavor and an interesting texture. To prepare this version, simply follow the basic strudel recipe, incorporating the raisins and pine nuts into the filling of apples, sugar, and cinnamon. The result will be an even richer and more fragrant dessert, ideal for an afternoon snack or a dessert after a meal. Don't forget to dust with powdered sugar before serving, for a final touch of sweetness.

Trentino-Style Apple Strudel

The tradition of Apple Strudel is deeply rooted in the cuisine of Trentino Alto Adige, where this dessert is prepared with local variations that enhance its flavor. The Trentino-Style Apple Strudel is characterized by a particular attention to the quality of the apples used, often local varieties such as Renette. The dough is rolled out very thin and filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes also with walnuts or almonds. This dessert is perfect to be served warm, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a vanilla sauce, to further enhance the flavors. The art of preparing strudel is a tradition that is passed down from generation to generation, and each family has its secret to making this dessert unique and special.

Light Apple Strudel without Butter

For those who wish to enjoy an Apple Strudel without feeling weighed down, the light version is ideal. In this preparation, butter is replaced with Greek yogurt or seed oil, thus reducing the fat and calorie content. The apples remain the main ingredient, while sugar can be substituted with natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup, for an equally delicious but lighter result. The dough can be made with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and make the dessert even healthier. Even in this variant, the aroma of cinnamon will be present, making every bite irresistible. Perfect for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a dessert.

Benefits of Apples in Apple Strudel: Properties and Calories

Apples, the main ingredient of Apple Strudel, are fruits rich in beneficial properties. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall well-being. Apples are a good source of fiber, which promotes digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Moreover, their low calorie content makes them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. On average, 100 grams of apples provide about 52 calories, making them an ideal food even for the most indulgent. Regularly consuming apples can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve heart health. Therefore, enjoying an apple strudel is not only a pleasure but also a way to take care of oneself.

Can Apple Strudel be Frozen?

A common question regarding Apple Strudel is whether it can be frozen. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze strudel both before and after baking. If you wish to freeze the raw strudel, it is advisable to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a food bag to protect it from frost. This way, it will be ready to be baked directly from the freezer, without the need for thawing. If you prefer to freeze the already baked strudel, it is important to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven to regain its original fragrance and crunchiness. This practice is useful for always having a delicious dessert on hand for unexpected guests or for a personal treat.