Recipe for Apple Strudel Using Granny Smith

This recipe for apple strudel use Granny Smiths, one of the best apples for strudel.

They are excellent in baking, they maintain their shape through the heat, and they beautifully balance sweetness with a touch of tartness.

Full of spice and everything nice, this recipe comes from BBC Good Food. It's a warm Autumn dessert to enjoy!

Ingredients

100g golden granulated sugar, plus extra
1 vanilla pod, seeds scrapped
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
25g currants
25g sultanas
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
85g walnuts, chopped
6 large sheets filo pastry
50g butter, melted
200ml crème fraîche

Method

Heat oven to 200C or 180C fan forced oven.
Heat 75g of sugar and vanilla seeds in a medium, heavy-based frying pan over a medium-low heat for five to eight minutes - till golden brown and caramelised.
Add apples, currants, sultanas, allspice, nutmeg and walnuts.
Cook for 10 minutes or until the apple is tender.
Remove the apple mix from the pan with a slotted spoon and cool to room temperature.
Line two baking trays with baking paper.
Place a sheet of filo on one of the trays, then brush lightly with the melted butter.
Sprinkle over one teaspoon of sugar.
Repeat the process until there are three layers of filo.
Repeat with the remaining sheets of filo on the second tray.
Divide the apple mix along the shorter edge of both pastry sheets and gently roll into two logs, tucking in the ends as you go.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle over one tablespoon sugar.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Allow to cool slightly, then cut each strudel into six diagonal slices.
Serve two slices each with a dollop of crème fraîche.

The strudel can be made up to one day ahead if kept chilled, and baked fresh.

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The recipe for apple strudel is more than just a set of baking instructions; it's a journey through time, tracing back to the rich tapestry of Central European culinary traditions.

Originating from the Austro-Hungarian empire, this delectable pastry has wrapped itself around the hearts of dessert lovers globally. The thin, flaky layers of spiced apples and raisins tell tales of old-world bakeries, festive celebrations, and communal gatherings.

Today, the recipe for apple strudel has crossed borders, with variations emerging from different cultures but always retaining the essence of its classic flavours. A testament to its timeless appeal, apple strudel has evolved from its humble origins to become a beloved dessert that is celebrated and enjoyed worldwide.

Apple Strudel Through the Ages

The recipe for apple strudel is not just a culinary guide. It's a narrative of traditions, festivities, and shared moments across the generations.

Originating from the heart of Central Europe, the recipe for apple strudel has been handed down through the ages, with each era adding its unique touch. From the bustling streets of Viennese bakeries to family kitchens worldwide, this dish has been a testament to a blend of simplicity and elegance.

As the years have progressed, the basic recipe for apple strudel has seen a myriad of adaptations. Some have introduced local fruits, while others have played with the pastry's texture. Yet, the strudel embodies warmth, flavour, and love at its core. Whether you're trying it for the first time or have been a long-time aficionado, the magic of crafting and sharing an apple strudel remains a universal joy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once you've prepared the recipe for apple strudel, presenting it in a way that amplifies its beauty is just as crucial as the baking process. Begin by letting the strudel cool slightly; this ensures that the filling sets and doesn't spill out when sliced. Using a serrated knife, make gentle sawing motions to cut through the flaky crust, serving up slices that showcase the rich apple filling.

For an even more delightful experience, consider pairing your freshly baked strudel with creamy accompaniments. A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a pour of velvety custard can elevate the entire dish, making each bite a symphony of textures and flavours. No matter how you choose to serve it, the recipe for apple strudel promises a culinary experience that tantalises the senses from the first look to the last bite.

Pairing Suggestions

The recipe for apple strudel, with its balance of sweetness and spice, opens up many beverage pairing opportunities that can heighten the overall dining experience. A steaming cup of black tea with cinnamon or cloves can accentuate the spiced apple notes in the strudel, making it a perfect morning or afternoon treat. For coffee aficionados, a smooth cappuccino or a robust espresso contrasts the sweetness of the strudel with the bitterness of the coffee, balancing the sugary filling.

If you're serving a dessert using this recipe for apple strudel as a grand finale to a special meal, consider pairing it with dessert wine. A glass of late-harvest Riesling or a well-aged Sauternes can complement the pastry's fruity undertones, enriching the flavours and ensuring a memorable dessert. Regardless of your beverage choice, the aim is to create a symphony of flavours that allows the apple strudel to shine in all its glory.

Additionally, pairing this specific recipe for apple strudel with our range of juices or cider can introduce a refreshing element to the meal. With its effervescence and tang, our apple cider provides a beautiful counterpoint to the sweet and spiced filling of the strudel, creating a harmonious dance of flavours on the palate.

Meanwhile, a chilled glass of our apple or pear juice accentuates the fruity depth of the strudel, offering a more subtle yet equally delightful pairing. Our juices and cider's natural sweetness and aroma enhance the taste experience and weave in an essence of orchard freshness to every bite.

Variations on the Classic Recipe for Apple Strudel

The beauty of the traditional recipe for apple strudel lies in its adaptability. It graciously accommodates tweaks and twists, allowing you to make it suitable for diverse preferences or dietary needs, and ensuring everyone can relish this timeless dessert.

Gluten-Free Delight: For those with gluten sensitivities or simply seeking a gluten-free version, replace the classic pastry with a gluten-free puff pastry available in most specialty food stores. Pair this with gluten-free breadcrumbs for the filling, and you have a version that retains all the delight without the gluten.
Vegan Version: To cater to vegan preferences, use plant-based butter or margarine for the pastry and opt for vegan-friendly fillings, omitting any dairy or egg-based ingredients. The apple filling naturally aligns with vegan diets, but always ensure that any add-ins comply with vegan standards.
Fruit Fusion: While apples are the traditional choice, feel free to get creative with the filling. Add berries for a tart kick, pears for a softer sweetness, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for an exotic twist. Combining fruits can also lead to delightful results; imagine an apple strudel with hints of tart cranberry or sweet peach!
Nutty Additions: Beyond the typical raisins, introducing nuts can add flavour and texture. Walnuts, pecans, or even slivers of almonds can introduce a delightful crunch and elevate the taste profile.
Sugar-Free Sweetness: For those monitoring their sugar intake, replace regular sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar. These alternatives impart sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels dramatically.

Remember, while the classic recipe for apple strudel has its own undeniable charm, the personal touches, innovations, and adaptions keep this dessert alive and evolving through generations. Whatever variation you choose, the essence of a delicious apple strudel remains — warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavour in every bite.

Storage and Leftovers

The aftermath of a delightful dessert session can sometimes be a challenge. But with the right storage techniques, your leftover apple strudel can remain as inviting as when it came out of the oven.

Cooling Before Storage: Before storing any leftover strudel, ensure it has cooled to room temperature. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can make the pastry soggy.
Air-Tight Containers: Use an air-tight container to store the strudel. If you don't have one, tightly wrap the strudel in aluminium or plastic. This keeps the pastry from drying out and helps retain its flavour.
Refrigeration: Placing the apple strudel in the refrigerator is ideal for short-term storage. It should last for up to 3 days when stored in this manner.
Freezing for Extended Storage: If you're considering enjoying the strudel much later, consider freezing it. Slice the strudel into portions, wrap each slice in plastic, and place them in a freezer bag. Properly stored, frozen strudel can last up to 3 months. Remember to label the bag with the date so you know its freshness.
Reheating Tips: When you're ready to indulge again, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 190°C for refrigerated strudel and heat for about 10 minutes until it's warmed through and the pastry becomes crispy again. If you're working with frozen strudel, allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before following the same reheating procedure. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.

By properly caring for your leftover strudel, you can ensure that each subsequent serving retains the dessert's delightful freshness and flavour, making every bite as memorable as the first.

Crafting and savouring a dish steeped in tradition is a joy. The recipe for apple strudel is more than just a list of ingredients and steps; it's a story of heritage, warmth, and celebration, coming alive with every flaky layer and spiced apple bite.

As you embark on this delightful culinary journey, we'd love to see the unique touches and innovations you bring to this age-old favourite. Share your Apple strudel creations on social media, or drop your experiences and tips in the comments section below. Together, let's continue celebrating and enriching the legacy of this beloved dessert.