Apple pastry delight

Delightful Apple Strudel: A Slice of Heaven

Servings: 12-16, forms either one large 14-inch strudel or two 10-11 inch smaller ones

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Ingredient List

• Raisins: 1/2 cup (80 grams) raisins
• Dark Rum: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Dough: 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons (150 grams) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) sunflower oil, safflower oil, or another neutral option
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
• Apple Filling: 2 pounds (905 grams) firm apples (around 5-6)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar or vanilla sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 8 tablespoons (115 grams) unsalted butter, divided
• 3/4 cup (40 grams) plain, unseasoned dried breadcrumbs (recommended: panko)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or vanilla sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Finishing Touch: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
• Lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Key Tips

It's crucial to prepare your raisins a day in advance by soaking them in dark rum. If time is short, a quick spin in the microwave can work wonders, allowing the raisins to plump up swiftly. Don't shy away from stretching the dough; patience is key and practice makes perfect! If your strudel leaks while baking, don’t be alarmed; it happens to the best of us. And remember, the strudel is at its peak freshness on the first day but can be enjoyed up to two days later—just re-crisp in the oven before serving.

Crafting the Dough and Filling

To create the dough on the big day, start by blending flour and salt in a medium bowl. Gradually mix in sunflower oil and water until a rough dough forms. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for a good ten minutes until it transforms into a silky ball. Set this aside under an inverted bowl for about 30 minutes.

While waiting, let's tackle the apples! Peel, halve, core, and slice them finely, tossing them with lemon juice, your sugar choice, and optional cinnamon. Add the reserved rum-soaked raisins for an extra flavor boost.

For the breadcrumbs, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Combine with the breadcrumbs, sugar, and salt, stirring constantly until they turn a lovely golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Assembling Your Strudel

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Now, roll out your dough on a large clean towel dusted with flour. Aim for a rectangle about 16x24 inches, stretching it gingerly using the backs of your hands. Don’t be afraid—be gentle and patient. Pinch any holes back together as needed!

Next, brush half of the melted butter across the dough. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs along one edge, leaving a margin, and pile the apple filling on top. Fold the top and bottom edges over this bounty, then roll it gently up towards the opposite edge. Transfer the strudel onto your parchment-lined sheets carefully—breadcrumb side down!

Baking to Perfection

Brush the strudel generously with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate and brush again, repeating this process for a total of 45 minutes of baking time. If you’ve made smaller strudels, they may take around five minutes less. A perfectly baked strudel will be crisp and golden brown.

Once done, let your creation cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before dusting with confectioners' sugar and slicing into pieces. Although it’s divine straight out of the oven, it remains a charming treat for a day or two when stored at room temperature. And for an extra layer of enjoyment, serve with whipped cream or ice cream!

Indulge in this delightful apple strudel, and share its warmth and flavor with friends and family!