Apple Noodle Kugel
Apple Noodle Kugel is a comforting baked casserole combining sweet apples, raisins, and cinnamon with noodles and crunchy cornflake topping, perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add margarine to hot cooked noodles and stir until melted.
- Add all ingredients except crushed cornflakes and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into two greased 8 or 9-inch square pans or one large oblong pan.
- Top with crushed cornflakes crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours, covered.
- Uncover for the last 1/2 hour to create a crispy top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using egg noodles instead of medium noodles. If you prefer a healthier twist, substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. To enhance the texture, add a dash of vanilla extract. If walnuts aren't available, pecans or almonds can be used instead. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as a comforting side dish or dessert. It pairs beautifully with Cinnamon Tea Rolls for a delightful brunch spread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted chicken or a fresh garden salad. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top can elevate it to a decadent dessert, perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the kugel in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up, but the crispy topping may not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Noodle Kugel contains roughly 786 calories, with 10g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this kugel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kugel a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed, to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, peel, core, and slice about 2-3 medium apples. Sauté them in a bit of butter with cinnamon until tender before adding them to the mixture. This will give a fresher and more vibrant flavor to your kugel.
Is it possible to make this kugel gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the medium noodles with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. Just check the cooking times as they may vary. Ensure all other ingredients, like the cornflakes and corn syrup, are also gluten-free to maintain the dish's integrity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).