Classic Apple Strudel with Almonds & Warm Spices
Inspired by beloved Central European pastry tradition, this homemade apple strudel features a paper-thin handmade dough wrapped around fragrant spiced apples, golden raisins, and crunchy almonds. Warm from the oven and dusted with powdered sugar, it's the ultimate cozy autumn dessert.
🛒 Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 8 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden), peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup golden raisins
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Melted butter for brushing, or 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup blanched almonds, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp ground cardamom or freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
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Directions
- 1
Mound the flour on a clean work surface, make a well in the center, and add the melted butter, salt, and warm milk. Knead firmly until a smooth, elastic dough forms and no longer sticks to the surface.
- 2
Continue kneading vigorously, occasionally slapping the dough against the counter, until it becomes soft and slightly bubbly. Cover with a clean cloth and rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- 3
In a large bowl, gently toss the apple slices with the sugar, cinnamon, raisins, lemon juice, cardamom, and ginger. Set aside.
- 4
Spread a clean linen cloth or sheet of parchment paper on the work surface. Place the dough on top, roll it out in all directions, then gently stretch it with the backs of your hands until it is nearly transparent.
- 5
Brush the entire surface with melted butter. Along a horizontal strip about 4 inches (10 cm) wide, scatter the chopped almonds, then spread the apple filling on top, leaving a 1½-inch (4 cm) border free on each side.
- 6
Using the cloth to assist, roll the strudel tightly into a log. Press and seal the ends with a spatula, then brush the top generously with melted butter or egg yolks.
- 7
Place the strudel in a buttered baking dish. Bake at 425 °F (220 °C) for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350 °F (180 °C) and bake for a further 20 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 8
Remove from the oven, dust generously with powdered sugar, and serve warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.
💡 Chef's Tip
Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn to balance the sweetness of the filling. The dough should be thin enough to read a newspaper through — stretch it patiently with the backs of your hands and don't worry about small tears, they disappear once rolled.
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