Caramelized Apple Strudel

Caramelized Apple Strudel: A Delicious Recipe with an Irresistible Aroma

Apple strudel is a classic dessert, loved by many generations. This recipe adds a modern twist by caramelizing the apples, highlighting the natural sweetness of the fruit and warm spice flavors. Perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, this strudel is the ideal choice for a relaxing afternoon or to impress guests at a special occasion.

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

Ingredients:

For the dough (or you can use store-bought puff pastry):

- 500 g store-bought puff pastry (or 300 g for the homemade version)
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 g flour

For the filling:

- 3-4 large apples (preferably sweeter varieties like Golden or Fuji)
- 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- juice of half a lemon
- juice of half an orange
- 1 handful of raisins (ideally soaked in rum)
- ground cinnamon, to taste
- powdered sugar, for decoration
- 1 egg, for brushing

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough (if you choose the homemade version):
- In a large bowl, mix the sugar with the softened butter until it becomes a smooth cream. This step is essential as the butter will add a tender texture to your dough.
- Add the egg yolks and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands, until you obtain a smooth dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Peel the apples, then cut them into small cubes. This size will allow for even caramelization and will help the apples integrate perfectly into the strudel.
- In a large skillet, add the apple cubes, brown sugar, lemon and orange juice, cinnamon stick, and star anise. These ingredients will bring a complex and aromatic flavor to your filling.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes or until the apples become soft and the juice reduces.
- Once the apples are caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat, add ground cinnamon and the rum-soaked raisins. Mix well and let the filling cool.

3. Assembling the strudel:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper, greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
- If you chose to use store-bought puff pastry, unfold it and roll it out on a clean surface. Cut it into large rectangles to form the strudel.
- If you prepared the homemade dough, roll it out evenly with a rolling pin, making sure it is thin enough to achieve a tender texture.
- Divide the filling into two equal parts and place it in the center of each rectangle of dough. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, forming a tight log.
- Place the rolls on the tray and brush them with the beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust.

4. Baking:
- Bake the strudel in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy. The aromas will start to spread throughout the kitchen, and impatience will grow!

5. Serving:
- Once the strudel is ready, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a special look. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:

- Choosing apples: Choose apples with a firm texture that won’t break down while cooking. Combine different varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Pear variation: If you want to try a variation, caramelized pears are just as delicious. Be sure to adjust the amount of sugar, as pears are sweeter than apples.
- Soaked raisins: Soak the raisins in rum or orange juice for an extra flavor boost.
- Brown sugar: Using brown sugar instead of white sugar provides a subtler sweetness and a deeper flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

Apple strudel is a healthier choice than many other desserts due to its fruit content. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Of course! You can experiment with peaches, apricots, or even berries for a different version.
- How can I store the strudel? You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. I recommend reheating it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
- What drinks pair well with strudel? A cup of green tea or an espresso coffee pairs perfectly. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine would add an elegant touch.

I hope this recipe for caramelized apple strudel brings you joy in the kitchen and in your heart! Enjoy!