Description
A foolproof recipe for homemade apple strudel using phyllo dough, featuring spiced Granny Smith apples and toasted breadcrumbs for a flaky, festive dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large Granny Smith apples (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup toasted breadcrumbs (50g)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (60g, optional)
- 1 package phyllo dough (12–15 sheets)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (115g), melted
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla. Toss apples in the spice mixture until coated. Fold in nuts if using.
- Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown (about 3 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Lay one phyllo sheet on a clean surface. Brush with melted butter. Layer a second sheet perpendicular to the first and brush with butter. Repeat with 4-6 sheets total, creating a patchwork.
- Spread toasted breadcrumbs in a thick line down the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Spoon apple filling over the breadcrumbs to form a log. Sprinkle with remaining spice mixture.
- Lift the edge of the dough hanging off the short side and roll tightly over the filling, tucking in sides as you go. Transfer seam-side down to the baking sheet.
- Brush the top generously with remaining melted butter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown and flaky. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch pieces. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Notes
Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Toasting breadcrumbs is crucial to prevent a soggy bottom crust. Let the strudel cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow filling to set. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 33 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple strudel, oktoberfest dessert, phyllo dough recipe, homemade pastry, german dessert, holiday baking, easy strudel