Charles isn’t a dessert lover, but Apple Strudel is the exception. Recently Charles stepped into the kitchen with me and we made this German Apple Strudel.
Charles was recently in Munich with his family visiting some family friends. He returned home with a rough outline of this recipe which was given to him by a German woman in her 80s. He read off ingredients and measurements, and some very rough instructions. We turned to the internet to figure out the rest.
Based on my research, most apple strudels have a breadcrumb mixture in the middle. This one had creme fraiche and lemon zest. Charles insists that this is how his friend has always made it. I am not claiming that this recipe is “traditional” but it is definitely German. If anyone has insight I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
In Germany there is a tradition of having coffee and cake in the afternoon. It’s basically a German version of afternoon tea, but just with coffee and cake. When I was studying German in Berlin, I loved having coffee and cake – it was a great afternoon pick-me-up. Apple Strudel is Charles’s go-to coffee and cake treat.
There are some very specific tips for making German Apple Strudel. First if you chop the apples into small pieces it is much easier to roll the dough. You definitely want to let the dough sit for 30 minutes before you roll/stretch it out. Otherwise it is too fragile. And if you roll out the dough on top of a thin kitchen towel you can use the towel to help you roll the dough.
Our first attempt at rolling apple strudel was a disaster. The apples were not sliced small enough, and as a result they tore right through the dough as I tried to roll it. Our second try was much better.
Charles also shared some notes from his friend. She doesn’t add much sugar to the German Apple Strudel because the raisins add a good amount of sweetness. If you want to make the apple strudel sweeter you can add some sugar to the filling. You can also opt to sprinkle some sugar over the top as it bakes. It is also commonly served with powdered sugar on top which gives extra sweetness.
The recipe below is enough to make two German Apple Strudels.
How to make German Apple Strudel:
German Apple Strudel
How to Make Apple Strudel | This German Apple Strudel recipe is made with tender apples, crème fraîche, and raisins wrapped up in a light thin pastry.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon All Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup warm Water
- 1 Egg
- 4 Apples
- about 1/2 cup Crème Fraîche
- 2 tablespoons Raisins
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons melted Butter
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/4 cup Milk
Instructions
First you want to prepare the dough. In a bowl combine the flour, olive oil, salt, water, and egg. Mix and knead the dough until smooth and then let sit. It is important that the dough sits for 30 minutes, so you want to prepare it before you peel and chop the apples.
Next peel and chop the apples. You want to chop the apples into small chunks so that they won't tear the dough as you roll up the strudel. Heat your oven to 350 degrees.
Divide the dough into two equally sized pieces. This recipe makes two apple strudels, so divide the fillings in half and make two strudels!
You want to roll and stretch the dough until it is very thin - so thin you can see through it. I recommend rolling the dough out on a floured surface. Then transfer the dough to a kitchen towel (one that the dough won't stick to - and you may want to lightly flour it). Then continue to pull and stretch the dough until it is very thin.
Spread the crème fraîche on the bottom half of the dough, leaving 2 inches around the edge of the dough. Sprinkle the lemon zest over. Then add the apples and raisins on top of the apples. If you want to make your strudel sweeter, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the apples.
Next you want to roll up the apple strudel like a burrito. Fold the sides over and then the bottom and then roll.
Place each apple strudel on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Mix the melted butter, sugar, and milk. Brush it over the strudel. If you want you can also sprinkle sugar over the strudel.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, brushing more of the butter, sugar, and milk mixture over the strudel every 10 minutes.
Serve with powdered sugar dusted over the top.
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Tanja / The red phone box trav
Thursday 25th of October 2018
love German apple strudels:)