Best Strudel Dough
A flaky, golden-brown apple strudel with tender dough, sweet apples, cinnamon, and optional nuts or raisins, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert tables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ingredients except apples and knead on a floured board until it doesn't stick to hands.
- Do not use excess flour.
- Place a large tablecloth on the table.
- Sprinkle flour over the cloth.
- Divide dough into 2 equal parts.
- Grease each part with a little oil.
- Wait 30 minutes, then roll each dough ball out with a rolling pin into a 10-inch circle.
- Wait 20 minutes after rolling.
- After 20 minutes, roll one ball of dough out thinly, or stretch if desired.
- Do not let the dough stand too long or it will crack.
- Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle bread crumbs all over.
- Place sliced apples inward about 4 inches from the edge and spread over the dough.
- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the apples to taste.
- Add raisins or nuts or both if desired.
- Fold the edges of the dough inward with hands, then roll into a log using the tablecloth.
- Seal the ends of the roll.
- Place the rolled strudel on a greased cookie sheet, shaped in an 'S', and slit the top in 2 or 3 places for steam to escape.
- Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 50 minutes or until nicely browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best strudel dough, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. If you're short on time, you can substitute the apples with pears or any seasonal fruit. For a nutty flavor, consider adding finely chopped walnuts. Remember, the dough should be thin but not torn, so practice gentle stretching. Avoid excess flour to keep the dough pliable.
Serving Suggestions
Best served warm, this strudel can be dusted with powdered sugar or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Cabbage For A King as a side dish, as the flavors complement each other. This dessert is perfect for gatherings or holiday feasts, offering a rustic charm that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also microwave a slice for 30 seconds, but it may lose some of its flakiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Strudel Dough contains roughly 1220 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 874mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling out. This will make it easier to handle and stretch. Just ensure to follow the resting times in the original recipe for best results.
What can I do if my dough tears while rolling?
If your dough tears, don't worry! You can patch it up with a bit of extra dough or simply fold over the torn area. To prevent tearing, make sure your dough is well-rested and not too thick. Practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to try stretching it with your hands instead of a rolling pin.
Can I freeze the strudel before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled strudel before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just pop it directly into the preheated oven, adjusting the baking time as needed until golden brown.
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).