Grandma’s Apple Strudel Recipe
Introduction
My Grandma’s Apple Strudel is a timeless dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a flaky, buttery crust. This recipe captures the warmth and nostalgia of a homemade treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups shortening
- 2 egg yolks plus water to equal 1 cup
- 1 egg white (reserved for brushing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or light cream (approximately)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Toss until the apple slices are evenly coated. Set aside while preparing the crust to allow the apples to release some juice.
- Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the shortening with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a measuring cup, mix the two egg yolks with enough water to total 1 cup. Stir this into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half.
- Step 3: Roll out one half of the dough into a rectangle large enough to fit a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with sides. Press it evenly across the bottom and slightly up the edges of the pan.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor in the filling.
- Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft to handle easily.
- Brush the crust with egg white before baking to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple filling before adding the top crust.
Storage
Store leftover strudel covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. It also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch?
Yes, pre-made pie crust can be used for convenience, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the traditional homemade crust.
How do I prevent the apples from making the crust soggy?
Coating the apples with flour before assembling helps absorb excess moisture. Also, letting the filling sit while preparing the crust allows juices to thicken slightly. Baking at the right temperature ensures a crisp crust.
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Grandma’s Apple Strudel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic homemade apple strudel recipe features a tender, flaky crust filled with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze. Passed down from grandma’s kitchen, this delightful dessert combines warm, juicy apples with a buttery crust for the perfect comforting treat.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Crust
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups shortening
- 2 egg yolks plus water to equal 1 cup
- 1 egg white (reserved for brushing)
Icing/Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or light cream (approximately)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Toss thoroughly until the apple slices are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the apples to release some juices while you prepare the crust.
- Prepare the Crust: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a measuring cup, combine the two egg yolks and add enough water to make 1 cup total liquid. Stir this egg-water mixture into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half.
- Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a rectangle large enough to cover a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with sides. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into the pan, pressing it evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Add the Apple Filling: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the bottom crust in the pan.
- Roll Out and Place the Top Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough into a similar sized rectangle. Place the top crust carefully over the apple filling, sealing the edges by pinching them together to prevent leakage.
- Brush with Egg White: Brush the surface of the top crust with the reserved egg white to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake the Strudel: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled strudel for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Prepare the Icing/Frosting: While the strudel bakes, mix the powdered sugar with the milk or cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the strudel is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The apple variety can be adjusted depending on preference; tart apples such as Granny Smith work great for contrast.
- Ensure the dough is chilled if it becomes too soft during preparation for easier handling.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the strudel to prevent crushing the crust.
- Shortening can be substituted with cold butter for a different flavor and flakiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the apple filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: apple strudel, homemade dessert, apple pastry, traditional strudel, cinnamon apple dessert
