Croatian Strudel
A fragrant, apple-filled strudel with a crispy crust, blending sweet cinnamon, buttery dough and crunchy breadcrumbs—perfect for cozy family dinners or elegant brunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour and salt into a bowl.
- Beat the egg, add shortening or oil, and lukewarm water, then combine with the dry ingredients to moisten the dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured board for 15 to 20 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rest, covered, for half an hour.
- Dust a clean table with flour and roll the dough out thinly.
- Spread sliced apples over the dough.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the apples, then add a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- Dot the top with small pieces of melted butter.
- Roll the dough up into a log and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier strudel, consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the dough mixture. If you're out of shortening, vegetable oil works well as a substitute. You can also experiment with different fillings like pears or cherries for a twist. Remember to roll the dough as thin as possible to achieve the perfect texture, similar to that of Turkish Crepes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving it alongside a light Farmer's Market Salad for a refreshing contrast, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover strudel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which will help restore the crispiness of the crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the strudel soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Croatian Strudel contains roughly 478 calories, with 8g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% 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 use frozen dough for this strudel?
Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry or phyllo dough as a convenient alternative to making your own dough. Just be sure to thaw it properly before rolling it out and filling it.
What type of apples are best for strudel?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Fuji work well. Mixing both can provide a delightful flavor balance. Avoid overly soft apples, as they can become mushy during baking.
Can I make the strudel ahead of time?
You can prepare the strudel and refrigerate it unbaked for up to a day. Just cover it well with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
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).