Viennese apple strudel with vanilla sauce

Viennese apple strudel with vanilla sauce

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I invite you to discover a classic recipe that will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen: the Viennese apple strudel with vanilla sauce. This dessert is not just a simple combination of ingredients; it is a story of flavors, textures, and aromas that takes us back to pleasant moments spent with loved ones. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 250 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 6 large apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

*For the vanilla sauce:*
- 300 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 heaping teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar (from Dr.Oetker)

*For greasing the dough:*
- 20-30 g butter

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

The first step in making this delicious strudel is to prepare the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Trust me, the salt is essential to enhance the flavors. Add the beaten eggs (as for an omelet), oil, and water. Knead the dough until it becomes compact and elastic. It should be a firmer dough, but not dry. After kneading, wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This rest is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Step 2: Preparing the apple filling

Meanwhile, let's take care of the filling. Peel the apples, remove the stems and seeds, and then cut them into small cubes. This step can be a fun activity, especially if you have kids to help you! In a non-stick pan, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and the cubed apples, followed by the sugar. Sauté them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the juice released by the apples has reduced and the sugar has caramelized. This is when the aroma becomes irresistible! Once you have the caramelized apples, turn off the heat and set the pan aside.

Step 3: Preparing the dough

After the 30 minutes of resting, take the dough out of the fridge. Sprinkle some flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet of about 4 mm. It's important not to rush this step; the thinner the sheet, the crispier the strudel will be.

Once you have rolled out the dough, brush the entire surface with melted and cooled butter. This step will not only add flavor but will also help achieve a delicious texture. Then, evenly spread the caramelized apple filling over the dough.

Step 4: Shaping and baking the strudel

Carefully roll up the dough, making sure it doesn't break. You can give it your desired shape, either a U or a large crescent. Place the strudel in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and greased with a little butter. Brush the top of the strudel with a little butter to help it become golden and crispy during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the strudel for 20-30 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.

Step 5: Preparing the vanilla sauce

While the strudel is in the oven, let's prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small pot, bring 250 ml of milk to a boil. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and egg yolk. When the milk starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat, add the cornstarch mixture, and mix well. Put it back on the heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and reaches a consistency similar to whipped cream. This sauce is a perfect accompaniment to the warm strudel!

Step 6: Serving

Once the strudel has cooled a bit, cut it into generous slices and serve it alongside the vanilla sauce. I like to add a little caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor. Serving this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream could turn the experience into a true celebration of the senses!

Useful tips and variations

1. Use different types of apples to achieve different flavors. Tart apples pair perfectly with the sweetness of caramelized sugar.
2. You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for an added texture and flavor.
3. The strudel can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it is best served fresh.
4. Experiment with different sauces, such as chocolate sauce or salted caramel sauce, to diversify the dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Apple strudel is a good source of fiber from the apples, contributing to healthy digestion. The flour and eggs in the dough provide protein and carbohydrates, while cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Of course, it is important to enjoy this dessert in moderation, especially due to the sugar and fat content from the butter.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! You can experiment with pears, cherries, or peaches. Each fruit will provide a unique flavor to the strudel.

2. How can I make the strudel healthier?
Try using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar, or replacing butter with coconut oil.

3. Can I freeze the strudel?
Yes, the strudel can be frozen before baking. You can bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Now that you have gone through each step to prepare this delicious strudel, all that's left is to wish you a good appetite! Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every flavorful bite!