APPLE STRUDEL: STRUDEL DI MELE

This heavenly pastry, filled with sweet, tender apples and warm cinnamon, is the perfect treat to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering strudel.

With its crispy, flaky layers and a fragrant apple filling, this strudel is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: Combines warm spices and tender apples for a cozy dessert.
• Versatile: Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or enjoy on its own.
• Elegant Yet Easy: Simple ingredients come together to create an impressive dessert.

Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Apple Compote:

• 2 large tart apples (Fuji or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• 3 tbsp apple brandy (or dark rum)
• 1 tbsp currants (or raisins)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Strudel:

• 10 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
• 4–6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting (optional)

Method

Prepare the Apple Compote:

1. Cook the Apples: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and apple brandy (or rum). Stir to combine.
2. Simmer: Cook until the apples are soft, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
3. Puree the Mixture: Transfer the apple mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
4. Finish the Filling: Return the puree to the saucepan, add currants and chopped walnuts, and keep warm.

Prepare the Phyllo Dough:

1. Thaw the Dough: Remove phyllo dough from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours.
2. Keep Dough Moist: Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and place it on a sheet of plastic wrap. Cover with another sheet of plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Assemble the Strudel:

1. Layer the Dough: Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface lined with plastic wrap. Brush with melted butter. Repeat with the remaining sheets, brushing each with butter.
2. Add the Filling: Spread half of the apple compote across one edge of the layered phyllo dough, leaving a small border.
3. Roll the Strudel: Using the plastic wrap as a guide, carefully roll the dough into a log, enclosing the filling. Brush the outside with more melted butter.

Bake the Strudel:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake: Place the strudel on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Cool: Let the strudel cool for about 30 minutes.

Serve:

• Dust with confectioner’s sugar if desired.
• Slice into portions and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

• Handle Phyllo Gently: Work quickly and keep the phyllo covered to prevent it from drying out.
• Customize the Filling: Add other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for extra flavor.
• Reheat Gently: Warm leftover strudel in the oven to maintain its crisp texture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

A Slice of Heaven

This Apple Strudel is the perfect combination of crisp, flaky pastry and warm, spiced apple filling.

Whether it’s served for dessert or a special afternoon treat, it’s bound to bring a smile to your table.

Enjoy!