National Dish Austria: Apple Strudel (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Apple Strudel, the dessert that has come to define Austrian baking far beyond its borders. Wafer-thin pastry wraps around a fragrant filling of tender apples, cinnamon and plump raisins, then bakes to a crisp, golden finish. Dusted with icing sugar and served warm, it is the perfect partner for an afternoon coffee or a relaxed dinner pudding. Bring a slice of Viennese coffee-house tradition straight to your own kitchen.
About Apple Strudel
Apple Strudel is a traditional Austrian dessert that is known and loved well beyond the country’s borders. This delicious pastry is made from fine, paper-thin strudel dough wrapped around an aromatic apple filling. Apple strudel is not only a treat for the palate but also an important part of Austrian culture, gracing café tables and family kitchens alike. Here you can discover just how easily you can prepare this classic at home.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 125 g plain flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 50 ml lukewarm water
- 500 g apples (such as Boskoop or Elstar)
- 50 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 50 g raisins
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 50 g butter
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Shopping for the ingredients
To conjure up the perfect apple strudel, the quality of the ingredients is key. When choosing your apples, go for varieties that hold their shape during baking rather than turning to mush, such as Boskoop or Elstar. The raisins should be fresh and juicy to give the strudel its special character. It is also worth reaching for good-quality breadcrumbs, as they help soak up the juices and keep the pastry crisp.
Preparing the dish
Preparing apple strudel begins with the strudel dough. This needs to be kneaded thoroughly and then left to rest, so it can later be stretched out wafer-thin. While the dough rests, get on with the apple filling. Peel, core and slice the apples thinly, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon and raisins so the flavours have time to mingle and develop.
Step-by-step instructions
- Tip the flour and salt into a bowl. Add the egg, the oil and the lukewarm water, then knead to a smooth dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and leave to rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Peel, core and thinly slice the apples. Mix with the sugar, cinnamon and raisins.
- Roll the dough out thinly on a floured cloth, then carefully stretch it out further with your hands.
- Toast the breadcrumbs in a little butter and scatter them over the dough.
- Spread the apple mixture over the dough and use the cloth to roll it up into a strudel.
- Lay the rolled strudel on a greased baking tray and brush with melted butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan) for 30–40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Once baked, dust with icing sugar and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free apple strudel, simply use a gluten-free flour, which is widely available in supermarkets. Make sure the breadcrumbs are gluten-free too. If you prefer a lactose-free version, swap the butter for lactose-free margarine or a suitable vegetable oil. With these small adjustments, the dish suits anyone with an intolerance without losing its character.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Apple strudel is also easy to make vegan. In place of the egg and butter, use plant-based alternatives such as soya yoghurt and margarine. Take care to choose plant-based breadcrumbs as well. The remaining ingredients — apples, sugar, cinnamon and raisins — are all vegan-friendly and can be used exactly as they are.
More tips and tricks
A few tricks can take your apple strudel from good to outstanding. Roll the dough out really thinly so it bakes up beautifully crisp, and use a kitchen cloth underneath to make rolling far easier. Soaking the raisins in a little rum or apple juice beforehand keeps them especially juicy and adds a lovely depth of flavour. The same buttered-crumb trick works wonders in a Quark Strudel, too.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The apple strudel recipe is easy to tailor to personal preference. Try adding walnuts or almonds to the apple mixture for an extra bit of crunch. A little grated lemon zest lends the filling a fresh, zingy note. Instead of raisins, you could fold in dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different twist on the classic.
Ingredient substitutions
If you are not keen on raisins, other dried fruits such as dried cherries or apricots make a great alternative. For a less sweet strudel, simply reduce the sugar or replace it with maple syrup or honey. In place of cinnamon, you might experiment with nutmeg or cardamom to give the strudel a more unusual, spiced character — much like the warming spices found in a Pumpkin Strudel.
Drink pairing ideas
A well-made apple strudel pairs beautifully with all manner of drinks. A hot coffee or a cappuccino is the classic choice, and a freshly brewed tea works just as well. In the colder months, a hot apple punch or a glass of mulled wine makes a cosy match. For children and anyone avoiding alcohol, a glass of freshly pressed apple juice is an excellent option.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important role when serving apple strudel to guests. Before serving, dust the finished strudel generously with icing sugar and slice it into even portions. Plate the strudel attractively and garnish each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A few fresh mint leaves add a splash of colour and make the dish look all the more inviting.
A bit of history
Apple strudel has a long tradition in Austrian cooking and has been prepared since the 18th century. The origins of strudel, however, most likely lie in Arabic cuisine, where similar layered pastries were known much earlier. Through the Ottoman expansion, the first strudel recipes reached Europe, where they were refined above all in Vienna. Today apple strudel is an absolute fixture of Austrian cuisine and southern German cooking, served in countless variations from Cherry Almond Strudel to savoury versions.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Apple Strudel
Apple strudel is a classic Austrian dessert that wins everyone over with its crisp pastry and juicy apple filling. With good-quality ingredients and a handful of clever tricks, this strudel will turn out a treat in your own kitchen. The preparation does take a little time, but the effort is well worth it. Whether you keep it traditional or try an alternative version, apple strudel is always a pleasure.
