Living in Spain has been an absolute treat for my taste buds. I’ve discovered so many incredible flavors and dishes here. But after a while, I started craving something a little closer to home, those familiar, cozy flavors that remind me of family and childhood.
I was craving apple strudel. ♡ Even though it’s not originally Slovenian, it became very popular thanks to the Austro-Hungarian influence, and today it’s often considered a national dessert. For me, it’s the ultimate comfort food, a dessert full of warmth and nostalgia. 🍏🤎
When my grandma came to visit, I did what any food-loving granddaughter would do. I begged her to teach me how to make it. But under one condition: it had to be the easiest version possible. My kitchen isn’t huge, and I don’t want baking strudel to turn into a half-day project. I just want something I can whip up on a random Tuesday when the craving hits. Something simple, homey, and delicious. With fall coming, this apple strudel is the perfect cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
If you’re looking for a simple way to make apple strudel, you’ve come to the right place.
👉 INGREDIENTS:
- 3-4 apples (depending on the size)
- 100g sugar
- 1 lemon (zest)
- tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 tbs sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 60g butter
- 45g bread crumbs
- 70g walnuts
- store-bought puff pastry (we’re making this easy)
🍏 STEP 1: PREPARE THE FILLING
⤷ Start by peeling your apples and cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and add sugar, a little grated lemon zest, and about a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Give everything a good mix, and then stir in a tablespoon of sour cream, which helps the mixture stick together nicely and makes the filling a little bit creamier. It’s okay if the filling feels a little wet at first – that actually helps! Let it sit in its own juices for a bit-this helps the apples stay juicy and flavorful. You will need to soak it up later.
🍏 STEP 2: PREPARE THE BASE
⤷ Melt a little butter in a pan, then add the breadcrumbs. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the breadcrumbs soak up the butter. This layer will keep the pastry from getting soggy and add a subtle crunch to your strudel.
🍏 STEP 3: ADD A CRUNCHY TWIST
⤷ For an extra touch, finely chop some walnuts and sprinkle them over the apple filling at the end. They add a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that makes your strudel even more irresistible.
🍏 STEP 4: ASSEMBLE
⤷ Roll out your puff pastry. All-butter puff pastry works best, though pie pastry works too (that’s what I used). Use a square sheet, since it’s much easier to roll evenly. Avoid thick blocks of pastry, as the strudel can puff up too much and stay undercooked in the middle.
Place the pastry on a wide surface and start by spreading a thin layer of butter and a breadcrumb mixture over the entire sheet. This creates a base that keeps the pastry from getting soggy.
Next, it’s time for the apple filling. To make spreading easier, you can strain the apple mixture using a strainer or use your hands with gloves to remove some of the excess juice.
Spread the filling over the pastry sheet, leaving some space at the top to make the rolling of the strudel much easier and more even.
At the end, sprinkle some chopped walnuts over the apple filling for that extra layer of crunch and a delicious nutty flavor.
🍏 STEP 5: ROLL THE STUDEL
⤷ Once all three layers are ready, it’s time to roll. Start by gently lifting the edges of the pastry and rolling it tightly over the filling. Take your time – puff pastry can tear easily, so handle it with care to keep your strudel intact. Once the strudel is rolled, brush a thin layer of butter over the top. This simple step gives your strudel a golden color, a rich buttery flavor, and a perfectly crisp finish.
🍏 STEP 6: BAKE
⤷ If you have an oven: bake at 180–190 °C (350–375 °F) for 35–40 minutes.
If you’re like me and only have an Airfryer, set it to 170 °C (338 °F) and bake for 35–40 minutes.
Every oven is a little different, so baking times may vary. Your strudel is ready when the pastry is golden brown and crispy on top.
🍏 STEP 7: SERVE AND ENJOY!
⤷ If you can resist diving in right away, let the strudel cool slightly, then sprinkle some powdered sugar or some whipped cream on top and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. But if you’re anything like me and you’ve been counting down the minutes until the timer rings, serve it straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm strudel and the cold, creamy ice cream is truly a golden combo. For your first bite, though, I recommend savoring it in its pure, classic form, just the strudel itself, so you can fully appreciate its traditional taste. Later, when you’re ready to experiment, you can have fun adding toppings.
📝 And that’s it, my simple version of apple strudel. Proof that you don’t need a big kitchen or hours of baking to enjoy something homemade and comforting. With just a few easy steps, you can have a warm, golden slice of nostalgia on your plate. 📝
