Looking for a delightful treat that’s both comforting and elegant? This Apple Walnut Strudel is a fantastic choice among apple dessert recipes. You’ll create a flaky pastry filled with tender apples and crunchy walnuts, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought is perfectly fine. You can use phyllo dough for an even flakier result.
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. Feel free to mix varieties for complex flavor.
- Walnuts: Pecans or almonds are good alternatives.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard. Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel note.
- Cinnamon: Don’t skip this classic spice!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Strudel:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Make the Filling
Add sugar, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and flour to the bowl with the apples. Toss everything gently until the apples are well coated. This flour helps absorb excess moisture, preventing a soggy strudel.
3. Roll Out the Pastry
Carefully unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. You want to gently stretch it into a rectangle, roughly 10×14 inches. If using parchment, ensure it’s large enough for baking.
4. Fill the Pastry
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This border will help you seal the strudel later. You want an even layer of delicious apple dessert recipes filling.
5. Roll the Strudel
Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Pinch the ends and the seam to seal it completely. This ensures the filling stays inside during baking.
6. Bake Your Strudel
Transfer the rolled strudel seam-side down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top generously with melted butter and then with the beaten egg wash. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until deeply golden and puffed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let the strudel cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. This warm apple dessert is truly a crowd-pleaser!
Variation Ideas:
- Caramel Apple Strudel: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the filling before rolling.
- Dried Fruit Addition: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mixture.
- Nutmeg Boost: A pinch of ground nutmeg pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and apples.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavors.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Apple Walnut Strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can gently reheat individual slices in a microwave or a warm oven for a few minutes to restore some of its crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
- What kind of apples are best for strudel? Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape well and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Why is my strudel soggy? This often happens if the apples release too much moisture. Ensure you add the flour to the filling, which helps absorb excess liquid.
- Can I freeze unbaked strudel? Yes, you can freeze the assembled strudel (without egg wash) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- What can I serve with apple strudel? It’s delicious on its own, but also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche.
- Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry? Absolutely! You will need several layers of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter, to achieve a similar thickness and flakiness.