An Authentic Apple Strudel Recipe You’ll Love

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Traditional German Apfelstrudel Recipe

The traditional German apfelstrudel recipe dates back to 1697 when it was first mentioned in a cookbook from Vienna. The term strudel comes from the German word struzel, which means “swirl.” This name is appropriate, since the dessert traditionally features apples, cinnamon, and sugar, swirled together. Many traditional recipes sometimes include raisins.

This recipe was possibly influenced by the Turkish or Greek baklava, another sweet dessert that features phyllo dough. You’ll also notice a similarity to apple pie. However, traditional apple strudel does have distinct differences from an apple pie recipe.

So, what is the difference between apple strudel and apple pie? The main difference is that strudel is made with a flaky dough, while the pie is made from a crust, which is considerably thicker.

Another difference is that strudel is often dusted with powdered sugar and served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream. Apple pie is usually served with a scoop of ice cream on top.

The apple pie recipe as we know it today wasn’t introduced to the U.S. until the 19th century, whereas the apple strudel has been a part of European cuisine since the 15th century.

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Gather the Ingredients for Your Authentic Apple Strudel Recipe

Before you begin, you’ll need to grab your authentic apple strudel recipe ingredients!

For the main part of the strudel, you’ll want to gather phyllo dough, apples, lemon or lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, slivered almonds, vanilla, unsalted butter, and breadcrumbs.

Once the strudel is baking in the oven, you’ll want to have a few more items on hand to make the vanilla sauce. This includes milk, vanilla, sugar, and two eggs.

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Prepare the Apple Strudel Recipe

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’ll need to take some time to prepare a couple of items.

The first thing to do is to thaw the phyllo dough. Most dough purchased from the frozen section of the grocery store requires the dough to be thawed overnight, or on the counter for at least 3 hours. So plan accordingly!

Next, you’ll want to slice four apples into small, thin chunks. You can use any variety of apples in this recipe, although many prefer to use a tart variety. Choose to peel them or keep the skins on. It will taste great either way!

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Making Apple Strudel

Now it’s time to make your authentic apple strudel recipe!

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Now, you’re ready to assemble! Begin by laying out a piece of parchment paper on which to work. Next, microwave 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted.

Place another piece of phyllo dough on top. Repeat by brushing the melted butter on top. Continue to repeat this process until you have a stack of 5 phyllo dough.

Tuck the ends under on either side. Brush the outside of the dough with more melted butter.

Transfer the rolled dough onto the baking sheet, keeping the seam side down.

Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo dough and apple mixture. Place the second rolled dough beside the first rolled dough. Depending on the size of the apples, you might have more apple mixture left. Continue to repeat this process to use all the phyllo dough in the package for more apple strudels!

Vanilla Sauce

While the apple strudel bakes, cook the vanilla sauce, also known as Kanarienmilch.

In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk.

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of both rolls, if desired.

Serve the strudel with the vanilla sauce.

The authentic apple strudel recipe and the vanilla sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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Serving Your Apple Strudel

How to Serve Apple Strudel

This authentic apple strudel recipe is considered to be both a breakfast item, as well as an evening dessert. It’s often served with coffee or tea and is almost always served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream on top.

When to Serve Apple Strudel

A favorite time to serve your authentic apple strudel recipe is during the holidays, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

But did you know there’s an official Apple Strudel Day on the calendar? It’s celebrated every year on June 17th! Don’t miss out on baking your apple strudel on Apple Strudel Day this coming June!

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Make Your Own Apple Strudel Recipe!

Now that you know all about this unique and delicious authentic apple strudel recipe, start your own traditions! Bake this yummy delight at your next holiday meal or to celebrate Apple Strudel Day!

Are you looking for more recipes? Check out our Recipes section for lots of sweet and savory dishes to serve! If you’re looking for a more traditional apple pie recipe, try our Apple Pie Pockets!

Authentic Apple Strudel

Yield: Serves 8

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

This apple strudel made with flaky layers of phyllo wrapping spiced apples and almonds is just begging to be made in your kitchen this fall! Homemade vanilla sauce is the final crowning touch on a decadent apple treat that's perfect to enjoy any time of the day.

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Ingredients

• For the Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel):
• 10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed overnight or for at least 3 hours
• 4 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (10 minutes)
• 1 TB lemon juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 6 TB unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• For the Vanilla Sauce (Kanarienmilch):
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tsp vanilla
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine apples and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
3. Add cinnamon, sugar, almonds, and vanilla. Set aside.
4. Take a piece of phyllo dough and place it on a piece of parchment paper.
5. Brush the melted butter on top, covering it entirely.
6. Place another piece of dough on top. Repeat brushing the melted butter on top.
7. Repeat this process until you have a stack of 5 phyllo dough.
8. Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on the bottom third of the dough until lightly covered.
9. Spread half of the apple mixture on the bottom third of the dough. Sprinkle more breadcrumbs on top.
10. Using the parchment paper as a guide, gently roll the dough up from the bottom until you’ve formed a cylinder.
11. Tuck the ends under. Brush the outside of the dough with more melted butter.
12. Transfer the rolled dough onto the baking sheet, keeping the seam side down.
13. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo dough and apple mixture.
14. Place the second rolled dough beside the first rolled dough. Depending on the size of the apples, you might have more apple mixture left.
15. Repeat this process to use all the phyllo dough in the package for more apple strudels!
16. Using a sharp knife, make several small slices along the top, about 1-2 inches apart.
17. Place the baking sheet into the oven. Bake 40 minutes, until golden. (Optional: brush the melted butter over the rolls every 15 minutes during baking.)
18. While it bakes, cook the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the milk.
19. Add vanilla and sugar until they dissolve.
20. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they’re creamy.
21. Once the milk begins to boil, slowly add in the egg yolks.
22. Continue to whisk until frothy. Allow to cool before serving.
23. Once the strudels are done baking, remove them from the oven.
24. Cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of both rolls, if desired.
25. Serve the strudel with the vanilla sauce.

Notes

Store the vanilla sauce and the strudels in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.