National Dish Austria: Old Viennese Apple Cake (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Old Viennese Apple Cake, a timeless treat from the heart of Austria! Wrapped in wafer-thin pastry and filled with juicy apples, cinnamon and plump raisins, this classic strudel is the very picture of cosy café culture. Whether served warm with a dollop of cream or enjoyed alongside a strong coffee, it makes the perfect sweet ending to any meal. Bring a slice of Viennese tradition straight to your own kitchen.
About Old Viennese Apple Cake
The Austrian apple strudel is a traditional Old Viennese cake that is celebrated all over the world. Its unmistakable taste and wonderfully delicate pastry make it a much-loved dessert. The strudel is built from a sheet of wafer-thin dough wrapped around juicy apples, cinnamon, sugar and often a scattering of raisins. Not only in Austria but in many other countries too, this apple strudel is enjoyed with real pleasure and remains a firm favourite of Austrian cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250g flour
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- 125ml lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 500g apples (such as Bramley)
- 50g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 50g raisins
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 50g butter
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the apple strudel, it is best to choose fresh, good-quality produce for the finest results. For the dough you will need flour, an egg, salt, lukewarm water and a little oil. For the filling you will want apples (ideally a tart variety such as Bramley), sugar, cinnamon, raisins and rum. Make sure the apples are firm and juicy to achieve the best texture and flavour.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making the Old Viennese apple cake, a little groundwork pays off. The raisins should be soaked in rum for a few hours to give them extra flavour and moisture. The apples can be peeled, cored and cut into thin slices. Make the strudel dough too, kneading flour, egg, salt, water and oil into a smooth ball, then leaving it to rest for at least an hour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Roll the dough out wafer-thin on a floured surface until it is almost see-through.
- Mix the apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins and breadcrumbs together well.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and spread the apple filling evenly over the top.
- Carefully roll the dough and filling into a strudel.
- Place the strudel on a baking tray and bake at 180°C for around 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the Old Viennese apple cake, you can use gluten-free flour. Common brands offer blends made especially for strudel or bread doughs. A lactose-free version is easy to achieve by using lactose-free butter and dairy alternatives. That way, people with a gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance can enjoy this delicious dessert too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan take on the Old Viennese apple cake, replace the egg in the dough with a little apple purée or a plant-based egg substitute. The butter can be swapped for plant-based margarine. Just make sure that all the other ingredients, such as the sugar and raisins, are vegan-friendly. The result is a delicious apple strudel that is entirely plant-based and every bit as tasty.
More tips and tricks
For an even more flavourful apple strudel, you can fold chopped nuts or almonds into the filling. A little squeeze of lemon juice over the apple slices stops them browning and adds a welcome freshness. If you love an extra-crisp strudel, brush the pastry several times with a butter-and-sugar mixture before baking. Play around with these ideas to create your own perfect strudel.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
You can tweak the Old Viennese apple cake recipe entirely to suit your own palate. If you prefer things less sweet, simply use less sugar or reach for alternative sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. You also have plenty of freedom with the fruit: the apples can be partly replaced with pears or plums, much as in this fruity Apple Cherry Strudel. This way the strudel can be tailored exactly to your liking.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are not available or simply not to your taste, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of raisins, you could use dried cranberries or apricots. If you would rather skip the breadcrumbs, ground almonds or hazelnuts make a fine replacement. Try different combinations to find the perfect strudel for your needs — the same spirit of experimentation that makes a Poppy Seed Strudel so rewarding.
Drink pairing ideas
A delicious apple strudel is often made even better by the right drinks. Classically, it is served with whipped cream or vanilla sauce, paired with a strong coffee or an aromatic tea. On cold days, a hot chocolate makes a wonderful accompaniment too. If you fancy something a touch more luxurious, the strudel is lovely with a small glass of dessert wine.
Serving and presentation ideas
Enjoyment often begins with the eyes, so an attractive presentation of the Old Viennese apple cake matters. Cut it into even slices and arrange them on a pretty plate. Dust the strudel with icing sugar before serving and add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream alongside. For a special finishing touch, mint leaves or fresh berries make a lovely decoration.
A bit of history
The apple strudel has a long and fascinating history. It originally came from the eastern Mediterranean and was brought to Europe by the Ottomans. In the 18th century it became popular in Vienna and grew into a beloved dessert of the Habsburg monarchy. Its enduring popularity today owes much to the strudel’s versatility and its inimitable flavour — qualities it shares with the famous Apple Strudel of the Viennese coffee house.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Old Viennese Apple Cake
The Austrian apple strudel is a traditional, flavourful cake distinguished by its thin pastry shell and juicy filling. Made with simple ingredients such as flour, apples, sugar and cinnamon, it comes together quickly and delights with its versatility. Whether gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan, the apple strudel can be adapted to a range of dietary needs. Its history reaches far back in time, and to this day it remains a much-loved dessert in kitchens around the world.
