Apple Strudel

Apple strudel – a classic, simple, and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Imagine a relaxing afternoon, enveloped in the aromas of baked apples, cinnamon, and melted butter. Apple strudel is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also evokes cherished childhood memories when our grandmothers spoiled us with lovingly prepared treats. This recipe will guide you step by step to create a perfect strudel with a flaky dough and juicy apple filling.

Essential ingredients:
- 600 g flour
- 80 g butter
- 130 ml sparkling water
- 120 ml oil
- 1 egg
- 9 apples (preferably sweet-sour varieties)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 5 g baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- cinnamon (to taste)

The history of strudel is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions. It has become popular in many cultures, each with its own interpretation. In this case, we focus on apple strudel, a dessert that enjoys popularity due to its simplicity and distinctive taste.

Step 1: Preparing the dough
We start by melting the butter over low heat in a saucepan. Once melted, add 100 g of flour and mix well, allowing the mixture to cool. This mixture will add a flaky texture to the dough, similar to puff pastry.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, sift the remaining flour (500 g) together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. This step is essential for obtaining a light and airy dough. Add the egg, sparkling water, and oil, mixing well until the ingredients are integrated.

If you find the dough too sticky, feel free to add a little extra flour; if it's too dry, add a little sparkling water. The goal is to achieve a non-sticky and easily manageable dough. Then, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

Step 2: Chilling the dough
Roll out the dough into a thick sheet about 2 cm thick and brush it with the melted butter and flour mixture prepared earlier. Then, roll the dough up and shape it into a snail, wrapping it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for about an hour. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
While the dough is chilling, we prepare the filling. Peel the apples and grate them coarsely. It is essential to drain the apples well to prevent the dough from becoming soggy. Mix the grated apples with sugar and cinnamon. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to the sweetness of the apples; for example, if you use tart apples, you may want to add more sugar. A personal secret is not to sauté the apples before using them; this way, the natural flavor of the apples is preserved.

If desired, you can add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Step 4: Shaping the strudel
After the dough has chilled, cut off a piece (about a quarter) and roll it out into a thin sheet. Here, you have two options for shaping the strudel:

1. Spread the filling in a thin layer over the dough sheet, roll it up, and make a few cuts for a decorative look.
2. Spread the filling, roll about 3/4 of the dough, and on the remaining part, create three rows of cuts, which you will spread over the rolled dough, creating an attractive lattice pattern.

Once you have shaped the strudel, cut it into 3 pieces and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Baking the strudel
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Place the tray with the strudels in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, until golden and crispy. If you prefer a softer strudel, cover it immediately after baking with a kitchen towel to retain moisture.

Step 6: Serving the strudel
Once the strudel has cooled slightly, dust it with vanilla sugar for a delicious appearance. You can serve it plain or alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A cup of hot tea or coffee is the perfect accompaniment to enjoy every bite.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. This dessert, while delicious, should be enjoyed in moderation, containing approximately 250 calories per serving (depending on portion size and exact ingredients used).

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Of course! Plums, sour cherries, or pears can be delicious alternatives. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits used.

2. How can I keep the strudel fresh?
The strudel keeps best in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for a longer period, ensuring it is well wrapped.

3. What type of flour is best for the dough?
Type 000 flour or pastry flour is ideal for achieving a flaky and elastic dough. Avoid whole wheat flour, as it will make the dough denser.

The apple strudel recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to your personal preferences. Whether you choose to serve it at a festive meal or as a weekend dessert, apple strudel will always bring smiles and shared stories at the table. Enjoy every moment and every bite!