Classic Apple Strudel

Jun 16, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Pastries doughnuts Vanilla: Beans Medium

A sliced classic apple strudel dusted with powdered sugar, showing the swirl of filling and flaky layers

A traditional Central European apple strudel with tender, thinly stretched dough filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, toasted breadcrumbs, and enhanced by pure vanilla bean. Finished with a butter glaze for a flaky, aromatic pastry.

Prep 45 min

Cook 45 min

Cooling 15 min

Total 1 hr 45 min

Servings 8

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

2.0 cups (240.0 g)all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2.5 g)fine sea salt
2.0 tbsp (30.0 ml)neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
¾ cup (180.0 ml)warm water
4.0 tbsp (57.0 g)unsalted butter, melted and divided
½ cup (50.0 g)toasted fine breadcrumbs
4.0 cups (480.0 g)peeled and thinly sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
½ cup (100.0 g)granulated sugar
1.0 tsp (2.5 g)ground cinnamon
1.0vanilla bean, split and scraped
1.0 largelarge egg, beaten, for egg wash

Make it at home

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Instructions

Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and warm water gradually, mixing until a rough dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, cover with a clean towel, and let rest for 15 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take a clean cotton kitchen towel, sprinkle it lightly with flour, and stretch the dough by hand on the towel into a thin, almost translucent rectangle approximately 24x16 inches.
Brush the stretched dough evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the entire surface to absorb extra moisture and keep the dough crisp.
Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge with the help of the towel, folding in the sides to seal the filling in as you go, to form a log-shaped strudel.
Transfer the strudel onto the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Brush the exterior with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the strudel is golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips

When stretching the dough, use the backs of your hands gently to avoid tearing — this helps achieve the classic paper-thin strudel pastry.
Use a whole vanilla bean for a strong aromatic vanilla flavor, scraping the seeds directly into the apple mixture for best infusion.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make classic apple strudel?

Plan on 45 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, plus 15 minutes to rest. The recipe makes 1 large strudel (8 servings).

How should I store classic apple strudel?

Store leftovers wrapped well at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven until crisp.

Can I make classic apple strudel ahead?

Prepare the dough and filling in advance, stretch, fill, roll, and refrigerate the unbaked strudel overnight, then bake fresh before serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped. Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 8 servings this recipe makes.

297 Calories / serving

10.5g Fat

47.0g Carbs

4.6g Protein

18.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (8 servings): ~2376 cal · 84g fat · 376g carbs · 37g protein · 151g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 297 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 56 min·3.3 mi·~6550 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 40 min·2.0 mi·~4000 steps
Moderate cycling 30 min·6.0 mi
Swimming laps 42 min
Jogging 29 min·2.4 mi·~4650 steps
Stair climbing 27 min·~2450 steps
Dancing 48 min
Bodyweight circuit training 30 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 69 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.