Decadent Apple Strudel with Ice Cream: Indulge in a warm, flaky apple strudel filled with spiced apples, raisins, and buttery pastry, served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This classic Austrian dessert features thin, crispy layers of pastry and a rich, caramelized apple filling, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake the best homemade apple strudel that melts in your mouth!
Easy Homemade Apple Strudel Recipe with ice cream and caramel
Ingredients:
1.For the Strudel Dough (Traditional Homemade Option)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice (helps with elasticity)
- 1 egg (optional, for richer dough)
Shortcut: You can use store-bought puff pastry or phyllo dough instead of homemade strudel dough.
1.For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning)
- ½ cup raisins or golden raisins (optional, but traditional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (adds crunch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to coat the filling)
3.For Assembling & Baking the Strudel:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the dough)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed digestive biscuits (absorbs moisture)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash for golden crust)
4.For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (classic pairing)
- Caramel sauce or honey drizzle (optional)
- Whipped cream (extra indulgence)
Instructions:
1.Prepare the Dough (Skip if Using Store-Bought Dough)
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Gradually add warm water, oil, vinegar, and egg (if using). Mix until it forms a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape into a ball, coat with oil, cover, and let it rest for 1 hour (this makes the dough stretchy).
2.Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Stir in raisins, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes so the apples release their juices.
3.Roll & Stretch the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface or large table.
- Roll the dough into a thin rectangle (about 18×12 inches).
- Carefully stretch it with your hands until it’s almost see-through but not torn. (Tip: You should be able to read text through it!)
- Brush the stretched dough with melted butter for a crispier texture.
4.Assemble the Strudel
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the dough (this prevents sogginess).
- Spoon the apple filling along one side of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Gently fold in the edges and roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.
5.Bake the Apple Strudel
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the strudel with an egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
6.Serve with Ice Cream
- Slice the warm apple strudel into portions.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Enjoy while warm for the ultimate decadent experience!
Baking Tips & Variations:
1.Best Apples for Strudel:
- Granny Smith: Tart, holds shape well.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet and crisp.
- Fuji or Braeburn: Great balance of sweetness and tartness.
2.Dough Substitutes:
- Phyllo Dough: Thin, crispy layers (must be brushed with butter between each sheet).
- Puff Pastry: Buttery, flaky texture (bake at 400°F for extra crispiness).
3.Filling Variations:
- Pear & Almond Strudel: Swap apples for pears and walnuts for almonds.
- Berry Strudel: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries.
- Nutella Banana Strudel: Spread Nutella before adding sliced bananas.
4. How to Store & Reheat:
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp.
FAQs:
What is apple pie with ice cream called?
Pie à la Mode (literally “pie in the current fashion” or “fashionable pie”) is pie served with ice cream. The French culinary phrase à la mode used in the name of this American dessert is also encountered in other dishes such as boeuf à la mode (beef à la mode).
What to eat apple strudel with?
What to Serve With Apple Strudel:
- Vanilla Ice Cream or perhaps a quenelle of Mascarpone Vanilla Cream if you’re feeling fancy.
- Scatter some crushed pecans or flaked almonds over for extra crunch and then add something smooth: custard, cream or ice cream.
Is apple strudel a breakfast food?
Apple strudel is like apple pie made for breakfast. That’s the only way I can explain it. The outside is a pastry dough that’s a cross between pie crust and puff pastry and the filling is apple pie.
What is America’s national dessert?
apple pie
Americans consume $700 million worth of apple pie every year. Although apple pie originated in Europe, it is not uncommon to hear that “there is nothing more American than apple pie.” In fact, The Apple pie of the States has become a symbol of the American culture and a national dessert.
Why do Americans say pie instead of pizza?
Italian immigrants brought pizza from Italy to the US in the early twentieth century. They called it “pomidore pizza,” which translates to “tomato pie.” This was the first form of pizza to be sold in the United States. The word “pie” eventually referred to all types of pizza.
