Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe: A Delightful Dessert for All Occasions
Apple strudel is an iconic dessert that combines the sweetness of tender apples with a flaky, golden puff pastry. This apple strudel with puff pastry recipe takes a classic treat and elevates it to new heights by infusing it with fragrant cinnamon, plump raisins, and crunchy pine nuts. With its delicate balance of flavors and textures, itβs perfect for any dessert table, whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at the end of a cozy meal. This recipe will guide you through each step to create a golden-brown, aromatic masterpiece.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are all you need to create this delicious apple strudel with puff pastry. Most of them are common pantry items, and the few fresh ingredients you’ll need are simple to find at your local grocery store. From the crisp, golden puff pastry to the juicy apples, every component comes together for a sensational experience.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 230g |
| Apples | 650g |
| Raisins | 30g |
| Bread Crumbs | 50g |
| Brown Sugar | 60g |
| Butter (unsalted) | 50g |
| Lemon Juice | 30g |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Pine Nuts | 30g |
| Egg Yolk | 1 |
| Whole Milk | 3 tbsp |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | q.b. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While apple strudel is a delightful treat, it’s also important to keep track of its nutritional profile, especially if you’re planning to serve it to guests or as part of a meal plan. Here’s a rough estimation for one serving of apple strudel, keeping in mind that the values may vary based on the size and specific ingredients you use.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your homemade apple strudel with puff pastry. Each stage of the process has been carefully designed to ensure that your strudel will come out perfectly crispy, golden, and filled with a delicious apple mixture.
1. Prepare the Raisins
Start by soaking the raisins in warm water for about 15 minutes. This softens them and helps them absorb moisture, making them plump and juicy when baked inside the strudel.
2. Melt Butter and Toast Pine Nuts
While the raisins are soaking, melt 30g of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Stir the butter continuously, allowing it to lightly brown, which enhances its flavor. After that, toast the pine nuts in a separate pan for a couple of minutes until theyβre golden brown and aromatic. Set both the butter and pine nuts aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Apples
Peel the apples, cut them into quarters, and remove the cores. Slice each quarter into thin wedges. This will ensure the apples cook evenly and create a tender filling for the strudel. Place the apple slices in a large bowl and drizzle with the freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
4. Add the Sweeteners and Flavors
To the apple mixture, add the toasted pine nuts, raisins (which should be drained), brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix everything gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined, and set the bowl aside.
5. Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 3mm thickness. If you’re using pre-made puff pastry, it may already be rolled out to the perfect size, so just ensure it’s evenly shaped. Use a rolling pin to stretch it slightly, making sure itβs large enough to enclose the apple filling.
6. Assemble the Strudel
Now, spread the bread crumbs evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving about 2 cm from the edges. This helps absorb any excess moisture from the apples, ensuring your strudel doesnβt get soggy. Next, pour the prepared apple mixture over the breadcrumbs, spreading the apples evenly across the pastry.
7. Roll and Seal the Strudel
Carefully lift the edge of the pastry closest to you and begin rolling the strudel into a log, enclosing the apple filling inside. Use parchment paper to help guide the pastry as you roll, and make sure the seam is well sealed by pressing the edges together gently with your fingers.
8. Egg Wash and Decoration
For a beautiful golden finish, beat the egg yolk with the whole milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top and sides of the rolled strudel, which will give it a lovely sheen once baked. You can also make small decorative slashes on top of the strudel with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
9. Bake the Strudel
Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F) and place the strudel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the lower part of the oven for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy, and the apple filling is tender.
10. Finish and Serve
Once the strudel is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a light, sweet finishing touch. Slice into individual servings, and enjoy your apple strudel with puff pastry, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Strudel
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Choosing the Right Apples: A blend of sweet and tart apples works best for strudel. Consider varieties like Granny Smith (for tartness) and Fuji or Gala (for sweetness). This balance will provide a flavorful and well-rounded filling.
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Pastry Options: While puff pastry is traditionally used for apple strudel, you can substitute with phyllo dough for a lighter, flakier texture. Just be sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with butter to keep it from becoming too dry.
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Adding More Flavor: Customize your apple strudel by adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), a splash of vanilla extract, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: Apple strudel is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch. For a more decadent twist, serve with a scoop of cinnamon gelato.
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Make-Ahead Tips: If you want to prepare the strudel in advance, you can assemble it up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This helps the flavors to meld together and ensures the pastry stays crisp when baked.
Conclusion
Apple strudel with puff pastry is a timeless dessert thatβs simple to prepare yet sophisticated in taste. Its flaky pastry crust, juicy apple filling, and delicate flavors of cinnamon and lemon make it a crowd-pleaser that will bring smiles to everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or enjoying it on a quiet afternoon, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more delicious dessert ideas here at Love With Recipes, where we share easy-to-follow, flavorful recipes that help you create memorable meals for every occasion.
