Print

German Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A traditional German dessert featuring thin, flaky pastry wrapped around a warmly spiced apple and raisin filling, German Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) is crisp on the outside and tender inside, making it a comforting treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter (for dough)
  • 6 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional, soaked in rum or warm water)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup butter (melted, for toasting bread crumbs and brushing dough)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, water, and oil. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and soaked raisins.
  4. In a skillet, melt butter and toast bread crumbs until golden brown. Add to the apple mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Roll out the rested dough on a floured towel or parchment paper until very thin and almost transparent.
  6. Brush the dough with melted butter and evenly spread the apple mixture over it, leaving about 1 inch border on all sides.
  7. Use the towel to carefully roll up the strudel, tucking in the edges to seal.
  8. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Brush with melted butter.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, brushing with butter halfway through, until golden brown.
  10. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor balance.
  • Soak raisins in rum or warm water for extra plumpness and taste.
  • If the dough tears, patch gently with a small piece of dough.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
  • For a vegan version, use vegan margarine or coconut oil instead of butter.
  • Can be made ahead, refrigerated, or frozen before or after baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/best-german-apple-strudel/