The Ultimate Apple Strudel Recipe for Dessert Lovers
Welcome to my British Apple Strudel recipe! As a chef who loves to explore and experiment with traditional dishes, I can confidently say that this recipe is a classic that never fails to please. The aroma of freshly baked apples, cinnamon, and pastry is truly irresistible – it’s the perfect dessert for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.
This recipe draws inspiration from the traditional Viennese strudel but with a few tweaks to suit the palette of Brits. The crispiness of the puff pastry complements the sweet and tangy flavor of the soft, caramelized apples that are flavored with ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and juice. This gives the dish a lovely balance of flavors – not too sweet nor too tangy.
I take pride in presenting you with my easy apple strudel recipe that requires only a handful of ingredients and simple steps. This dish is also versatile as you can customize it according to your preferences by swapping some ingredients or adding extra flavors – we’ll go through these options later on.
Are you ready to whip up an impressive dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds? Keep reading for detailed instructions and tips on how to achieve the perfect British Apple Strudel every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for something sweet but not too heavy? Do you prefer comfort food that’s easy to make, but still impresses your family and friends? If so, you’ll love this British Apple Strudel recipe.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the comforting smell of cinnamon and the sweet taste of fresh apples. It’s a classic dessert that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and help you unwind after a long day. And the best part? It’s super easy to make!
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can substitute the type of apples, use different kinds of pastry dough (like Filo or Puff Pastry), and even add other flavors like cranberry, pecan, or walnut. The possibilities are endless!
Plus, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, having a cozy night in with your loved ones, or simply looking for a sweet treat on a weekend afternoon – this recipe will hit the spot.
So go ahead, indulge in something sweet and delicious without having to spend hours in the kitchen. You won’t be disappointed by this traditional Viennese dessert – adapted to suit British tastes.
Ingredient List
Before you embark on making the delectable British Apple Strudel, let’s make sure you have everything on the ingredient list. Producing a traditional Viennese strudel recipe can be a little intricate, so it’s essential to get all necessary ingredients well ahead of time. One of the most important things about this recipe is that it requires a Puff Pastry. You’ll need to pair it with bright and tangy Granny Smith apples to balance out the sweetness of the pastry, and that’s what we’re going for in this recipe too! Gather these ingredients, and let’s get started.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry (homemade or store-bought)
- 6-7 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, quartered and sliced
- 100g caster sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest and juice of 1 ½ lemon
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- Handful of golden raisins (optional)
- Vegetable oil for brushing
- Icing sugar (Confectioners sugar) for dusting
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Apples
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Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds of Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, quartered and sliced.
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In a large mixing bowl, mix the apple slices with 100g of caster sugar, 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and the zest and juice of 2 lemons.
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Finally, add 100g of golden raisins to the mix.
Step 2: Making the Pastry
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Ingredients: Defrost a packet of puff pastry or make your own homemade pastry dough using 250g plain flour, pinch of salt, 125g unsalted butter, chilled and diced into small cubes, gradually add cold water until it forms a soft dough.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Roll out your puff pastry into a rectangle about the size of a baking sheet.
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Using a brush, coat it thinly with vegetable oil and sprinkle some sugar over it.
Step 3: Assembling the Strudel
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Arrange the apple filling on top of the puff pastry leaving space around the edges. Keep spoonfuls of leftover liquid to moisten strudel later if needed.
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Carefully wrap the strudel from edge to edge.
Step 4: Baking Your Apple Strudel
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Brush some melted unsalted butter gently over your strudel before placing in the oven.
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Bake for approximately an hour or until golden brown in color.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Feel free to dust some flavored sugar like vanilla or cinnamon over it before serving alongside whipped cream, ice cream or even custard. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up with your apple strudel recipe? Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations!
– Apples: While Granny Smith apples are the traditional choice for apple strudel, feel free to experiment with different varieties. Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or even Rome apples can all work well in this recipe.
– Puff Pastry: If puff pastry is not readily available, you can substitute it with strudel pastry, filo dough or phyllo pastry. Strudel pastry is similar to puff pastry and specifically made for making strudels whereas filo dough is a thinner dough which will give you a more crispy texture.
– Fruit: Not a fan of apples? No problem! You can try using pears, peaches or cherries instead.
– Nuts: Want to add some crunch to your apple strudel? Try adding walnuts or pecans to the filling mixture.
– Spices: While cinnamon is a classic spice to use for apple strudel, other spices such as nutmeg or ginger can also add an interesting twist. Be careful not to add too much though as these spices are stronger than cinnamon
By experimenting with different ingredients, you can put your own spin on this classic dessert while keeping the traditional Viennese spirit alive!
Serving and Pairing
Once your British apple strudel is freshly baked and out of the oven, it’s time to think about serving and pairing it up for optimal enjoyment. Sliced into portions that are just the right size, warm apple strudel pairs well with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that’s quickly melting down onto the plate.
For an extra layer of flavor, try pairing your apple strudel with a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup. If you prefer fruit, stewed fruits such as berries or mixed fruit compote paired with the warmth and sweetness of the strudel make for a deliciously satisfying snack.
If you’re looking for something more savory, some folks like to combine their apple strudel with a slice of cheddar cheese. The rich taste of cheddar helps balance out the sweetness in the strudel dessert making for an enjoyable combination.
When it comes to beverages that would complement your British apple strudel, I’d suggest a cup of hot tea or coffee. These products help tone down the sweetness and add depth to the dish. Additionally, if you are so inclined, a glass of white wine such as Riesling or Muscadet has a unique ability to draw out the tartness within the apples while also complementing the buttery essence of the pastry.
So there we have it – some ideas on how best to serve and pair your British apple strudel. Whether you choose cream, compote or cheese accompaniments, there’s no doubt that this humble yet versatile dessert is one that appeals to both after-dinner sweets lovers and nostalgic pastry enthusiasts alike.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about baking an apple strudel is that it can be made ahead, stored, and reheated as needed. With a little planning, you can have fresh and delicious apple strudel at your fingertips any time of day!
To make ahead, prepare the strudel as directed in the recipe but do not bake it. Instead, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. You can store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking.
If you want to save some time during the week, consider baking a double batch of the apple strudel and freezing it for later use. Once baked and cooled to room temperature, wrap the strudel tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Write date and labeling on the outside of foil.
When ready to eat, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the unwrapped frozen strudel in the oven. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. To ensure that your strudel stays crispy, uncover during the last 10 minutes of reheating.
If you have leftover apple strudel, which is unlikely because who doesn’t devour this heavenly pastry till its end!, store it wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. Just reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.
Always remember not to refrigerate or freeze baked strudel as doing so will soften up the crispy pastry crust.
By making ahead or freezing your apple strudel, you’ll never be without a sweet treat to enjoy anytime your cravings strike!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your British apple strudel turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
1. Use the right apples
The type of apples you use can affect the taste, texture, and overall success of your apple strudel. Granny Smith apples work best because they are tart and firm, which means they won’t become too mushy during the baking process. Bramley apples can be used in combination with granny smith ones
2. Keep the phyllo pastry moist
Phyllo pastry dries out very easily, so it’s important to keep it moist while working with it. Cover any unused phyllo sheets with a damp dish towel or cloth until you’re ready to use them.
3. Don’t overstuff
Although it may be tempting to add more filling to your strudel, don’t overstuff it! This will cause the phyllo pastry to burst open while baking, ruining the aesthetics of your strudel. Keep this in mind while assembling the apple filling.
4. Be gentle when handling the dough
Whether you’re using puff pastry or phyllo dough, always handle it gently. Rough handling can cause tears or holes in the dough, which will affect its texture.
6. Add lemon juice and zest
Lemon juice and zest bring a bright freshness to your apple strudel recipe. The citrus flavor helps balance out the sweetness of the apples and sugar; don’t forget to include them!
7. Brush with milk before baking
Brushing milk across the top of your pastry before baking helps give it a nice golden brown color while keeping it moist as well.
8. Let it rest after cooking
Once your apple strudel is finished baking, allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This allows all of its flavors to fully infuse into one another, making each bite of your baked pastry even more delicious.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be sure to create the most scrumptious and aesthetically pleasing apple strudel for your next British-themed celebration.
FAQ
Now that you know how to make this delicious British apple strudel, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions regarding the recipe. This section will cover everything from ingredient substitutions to potential baking challenges you may encounter. Don’t worry, with these helpful tips and insights, you’ll be a pro at making this traditional Viennese dessert in no time. Let’s dive into the FAQs!
What’s the difference between apple strudel and apple strudel?
Although their names may sound alike, strudel and streusel are two distinct types of desserts. Apple strudel is made by layering thin sheets of pastry around the filling, while streusel is a crumbly mixture of sugar, flour, and butter that is commonly used as a topping for pies and cakes.
What country is known for apple strudel?
An irresistible delicacy that is widely adored in the cultural coffeehouses of Vienna and celebrated as the quintessential Austrian cuisine.
What is apple strudel in Europe?
Originating from the city of Vienna, apple strudel is a pastry that has become highly celebrated in various European countries. Its popularity has spread throughout regions that were once under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire such as Bavaria, the Czech Republic, Northern Italy, and Slovenia. The pastry has since then become a well-known treat in these countries.
How to make apple strudel from Inglourious Basterds?
For this recipe, we will need some bread flour, vegetable oil, egg whites, salt, lemon juice, warm water, good baking apples (like granny smith), and sugar. Make sure to peel the apples before using them in the recipe. The warm water should be around 110°F, and the sugar should be measured out to half a cup.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, the British Apple Strudel recipe is a classic dessert that made its way from traditional Viennese cuisine to British kitchens, and it became an iconic dish over time. A perfect apple strudel combines a flaky and crispy puff pastry with a warm and fragrant filling of cinnamon, lemon zest, juicy apples, and sugar. By following the recipe’s instructions carefully, you can make your own easy apple strudel that will impress your family and friends.
Moreover, making substitutions or variations- such as using filo dough instead of puff pastry or adding cranberries and pecans to the filling- can create exciting new flavors to try. The best part? You can easily make the apple strudel ahead of time or store leftovers in the freezer so you can enjoy it whenever you want!
So why not grab some peeled granny smith apples, sugar, ground cinnamon, and golden raisins to create your homemade apple strudel? With this recipe’s step-by-step guide and helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious masterpiece that everyone will enjoy. Trust me; this apple strudel recipe is worth trying!
British Apple Strudel Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 -6 apples, green cooking
- 1 -2 tablespoon sugar
- water
- 200 g fruit, Robertsons Traditional Fruit Mince
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar, coffee crystals
- 1 puff pastry, sheet
Instructions
- Peel and slice apples, add enough water to just cover the apples add the sugar and bring to the boil until just cooked.
- Drain and cool. Chop the apples into small cubes, add the Fruit Mince and stir in well.
- place on the sheet of puff pastry, making an oblong, similar to an apple strudel, fold the pastry over, brushing the edges with water.
- Turn over. brush with milk and sprinkle the sugar over the top, slash cuts across the top, just cutting the surface of the pastry and bake in a hot oven of 115c for approx 15 t0 20 minutes.
- serve either hot or cold with Cream or Ice Cream.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.