Delicious Defined

What Is Apple Strudel?

Apple strudel with phyllo dough is a delightful pastry that marries the crisp, flaky goodness of phyllo dough with a luscious apple filling. Originating from the traditional Austrian dessert known as “Apfelstrudel,” this dessert has gained international popularity for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. To create this delectable treat, diced apples are tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and raisins, giving them a sweet and aromatic profile. The mixture is then carefully placed on a sheet of delicate, paper-thin phyllo dough, which is generously brushed with melted butter to achieve that signature flakiness. The phyllo dough is then folded and rolled around the apple filling, creating a beautifully layered, golden-brown pastry.

What do you need to make Them?

Phyllo dough: Phyllo dough is the foundation of apple strudel, providing its distinctive flaky and crispy texture. This thin, delicate pastry dough is created by layering sheets of dough with butter or oil, resulting in a paper-thin, crunchy crust that surrounds the sweet apple filling.
Apple: Apples are the star of the show, providing the fruity and slightly tart core of the strudel. They become tender and succulent when baked, releasing their natural juices and marrying with the sugar and cinnamon to create a luscious, aromatic filling. For best results, use a baking apple, which includes varieties such as Honey Gold, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious, among others.
Raisins: Raisins are included for their natural sweetness and chewy texture. They provide bursts of concentrated sweetness within the apple filling, offering a delightful contrast to the tender apples.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and a spicy-sweet flavor to the strudel. It complements the apples beautifully, creating a cozy, comforting aroma and taste that is characteristic of apple desserts.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar sweetens the apple filling and adds depth of flavor. Its molasses notes contribute a caramel-like richness, enhancing the overall sweetness of the strudel.
Butter: Butter is used to brush the phyllo dough layers, adding richness and contributing to the pastry’s crispy texture. It also helps bind the layers together and create a beautiful golden-brown crust when baked.

serving suggestions

Apple strudel is best served fresh, so the pastry still has its signature flakiness.
For a classic presentation, serve warm slices of strudel dusted generously with powdered sugar, which adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy finish. You can also elevate the experience by pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the warm and crisp strudel to contrast with the cold, smooth ice cream. Whipped cream is another excellent accompaniment that adds a light, airy texture and a delightful creaminess to each bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a warm caramel or cinnamon sauce over the strudel for an extra layer of flavor complexity. Whether enjoyed on its own or with these delightful additions, apple strudel with phyllo dough is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations.