How to make Homemade Apple Strudel?
Baking the perfect Austrian/German apple strudel involves a delicate balance of flavors and textures. Here's a guide to achieving a delicious apple strudel at home.
So what do you need for homemade apple strudel?
The dough: Start with a thin and flaky pastry dough. Whether store-bought or homemade, the dough should be stretched thinly to achieve the characteristic layers that make strudel delightful.
The filling: Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Golde Delicious and Gala apples. Slice them thinly and toss with sugar, cinnamon, a touch of lemon juice, and perhaps some raisins or chopped nuts for added texture. Thats up to your preference.
The technique: Lay out the stretched dough and evenly spread a thin layer of butter and breadcrumbs over it. This helps absorb excess moisture from the apple filling, preventing a soggy crust. Arrange the apple filling along one edge, leaving some space at the sides to fold in.
The rolling: Carefully roll the dough with the apple filling into a log or cylinder, sealing the edges. Place the strudel seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with melted butter. Ensure to make some holes with a fork. Pro tip: use a flour covered towel for that task.
How to bake your homemade apple strudel?
The baking: Bake the apple strudel until it's golden brown and the apples are tender. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen. It will take your approx. 30-40 minutes at 180 degrees.
The serving: Allow the strudel to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. In Austria/Germany we also love to add whipped cream or custard sauce to it.
The perfect Austrian/German Apfelstrudel or apple strudel combines a crispy, golden crust with a sweet and spiced apple filling, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Good luck!
