• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Hilda's Kitchen Blog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Book
  • About
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Subscribe

    You Are Here Home » Sweets Recipes

    Published: Feb 21, 2020 Updated: Apr 16, 2022 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 4 Comments

    Apple Strudel Recipe (using Fillo Dough)

    Sharing is caring!

    151 shares
    • Share88
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    apple strudel pin

    Are you looking for an easy-to-make Apple Strudel recipe? How does Flaky Fillo Dough wrapped around a filling made with perfectly-spiced sweet apples, raisins, and ground walnuts sound to you? Of course, walnuts and raisins are totally optional. You can always drizzle it with Salted Caramel Sauce if you want to be extra naughty.😏

    apple strudel

    About This Recipe

    I recently received a box of Kontos products to try. The box included flatbread, pizza crusts, and fillo dough. Since I already use their flatbreads to make personal-sized Gourmet Pizzas and Shawarma Pizza, I thought, "why not?"

    I decided to use the fillo dough to make "Apple Strudel" or "Apfelstrudel" (which originated in Austria).

    Scott's family migrated from Austria. He frequently mentions the delicious strudel his mom used to bake when he was younger.

    So while he was out today, I decided to bake an apple strudel to surprise him. Scott was excited when he got home and loved the strudel. But what really surprised me was how much I LOVED the Kontos fillo dough!

    Unlike other brands I've used in the past, it was very easy to work with. It did not dry out and become brittle or fall apart while being handled. So if you can get your hands on some, I highly recommend it!

    What Goes Into This Recipe

    ingredients for apple strudel recipe

    Ingredient Notes

    • Fillo Dough— Fillo Dough comes in various thicknesses. I recommend Kontos brand Fillo Dough, #4.
    • Raisins— Raisins are traditional in apple strudel, but totally not required. If you don't like raisins, leave them out.
    • Walnuts— If you are allergic to nuts or just don't like them, they are optional and not required in this strudel recipe.

    How to Make This Recipe

    Defrost Fillo dough according to package directions.

    Preparing the Filling

    Peel, core, and chop the apples then add to a large bowl. Microwave for two minutes to par-cook the apples and release some of the juices.

    chopped apples in a light blue, spotted bowl

    Add sugar, flour, lemon zest and juice, ½ tsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. cardamom, ginger, salt, and nutmeg to the apples. Stir to combine. Set aside.

    diced apples in a bowl for apple strudel recipe
    diced apples with spices in a blue bowl

    Meanwhile, grind the walnuts (if using) in a food processor and mix in the remaining ¼ teaspoon of cardamom and ¼ tsp. of cinnamon. Set aside.

    finely ground walnuts in a food processor
    nuts and cinnamon a white bowl

    Strain excess liquid from the apples and reserve for basting.

    Stir breadcrumbs and raisins (if using) into the apple mixture.

    diced apples in a red strainer over a bowl
    strudel mix for apple strudel recipe in a blue bowl

    Strudel Assembly

    Melt the butter in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Do not stir. Skim off the milk solids that float to the surface and set the remaining butter aside.

    Unwrap the fillo dough and cut it into two manageable sections.

    Some brands come in smaller portions already, while others, like this Kontos brand, come in 14" X 18" sheets. After cutting them in half, you should end up with two 14" X 9" sections.

    Roll up half of the fillo sheets for another time, making sure they are sealed in the plastic and store in the freezer.

    fillo dough in packaging
    filo dough rolled up over parchment paper

    Preheat oven to 350-degrees F.

    Cover fillo sheets with plastic, or parchment paper, followed by a damp washcloth to keep the sheets from drying out.

    Place another large sheet of parchment paper next to the sheets of fillo dough. This will be used to assemble the apple strudel.

    buttered fillo sheet
    buttering fillo dough with a blue pastry brush

    Place a sheet of fillo on the parchment paper and brush with butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon finely ground walnuts.

    Dust with powdered sugar. Continue these steps until you have used up ½ of the sheets (approximately 8 to 10 sheets).

    fillo dough, buttered
    fillo dough sprinkled with nuts
    fillo dough being sprinkled with powdered sugar

    Generously brush the last sheet of fillo dough with butter.

    Pile half of the apple mixture on the fillo dough close to one edge, leaving a 2" border from the top, bottom, and one of the sides.

    Lift up on the parchment paper to fold the top, bottom, and side with the 2" border over the apple filling. Generously baste with the reserved apple juices.

    fllo dough with apples and raisins filling
    fillo dough with apples and raisins
    fillo dough with apples and cinnamon
    fillo dough with apple filling

    Continue rolling the dough over the filling until you have a tight package.

    Brush the top with additional apple juices and butter.

    Using a spatula, place the strudel on a pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until brown and crispy.

    unbaked apple strudel
    baked strudel on tray

    While the first strudel is cooking, assemble the second strudel using the remaining ingredients.

    Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle the baked strudel with powdered sugar before serving.

    apple strudel sprinkled with powdered sugar

    Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

    What pastry is apple strudel made from?

    Apple Strudel is made wit various pastries, depending on the region, recipe, or who is preparing it.

    Some make the dough from scratch, while others prefer using pre-made pastry. Still, others use puff pastry. In this recipe, we'll be using Fillo Dough to prepare our apple strudel.

    What makes strudel a strudel?

    Strudel is known for it's flaky and buttered layers of pastry, with a delicious spiced apple filling inside.
    According to Helmut's Strudel, "It was the Turkish Baklava pastry, introduced into Austria in 1453, that laid the foundation for strudel. Gradually strudels with different fillings were created."

    • Defrost frozen fillo dough in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature on the counter for 30 minutes before using it.
    • Since you're making two strudels, consider making one with nuts/raisins and one without to satisfy everyone!
    • If you prefer a sweeter strudel, drizzle the strudel with Salted Caramel Sauce before serving.
    • For an even easier apple strudel recipe, use preserves as a filling. Apple Preserves or Pear Apple Preserves are both excellent options!
    apple strudel sliced on a green plate

    • Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
    • Peach Bread Pudding (with caramel sauce)
    • Nuss Torte (German Nut Cake)
    • Cardamom Apple Pie Preserves

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, 4294 TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    apple strudel on a plate

    Apple Strudel Recipe

    Delicious Apple Strudel using Fillo Dough4
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time: 45 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 260kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    • 1 package fillo dough
    • 4 large Fuji or Granny Smith apples
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • 2 T. flour
    • 1 T. lemon juice
    • ¾ tsp. cinnamon (divided)
    • ¾ tsp. cardamom (divided)
    • ¼ tsp. ginger powder
    • ¼ tsp. salt
    • ¼ tsp. nutmeg (freshly grated)
    • ½ cup walnuts
    • ½ cup butter
    • ¼ cup raisins
    • 2 T. bread crumbs (plain)

    Instructions

    • Defrost Fillo according to package directions.

    Filling

    • Peel, core, and chop the apples then add to a large bowl. Microwave for two minutes to par-cook the apples and release some of the juices.
    • Add sugar, flour, lemon zest and juice, ½ tsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. cardamom, ginger, salt, and nutmeg to the apples. Stir to combine. Set aside.
    • Meanwhile, grind the walnuts (if using) in a food processor and mix in the remaining ¼ teaspoon of cardamom and ¼ tsp. of cinnamon. Set aside. 
    • Strain excess liquid from the apples and reserve for basting.
    • Stir breadcrumbs and raisins (if using) into the apple mixture. 

    Assembly

    • Melt the butter in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Do not stir. Skim off the milk solids that float to the surface and set the remaining butter aside.
    • Unwrap the fillo dough and cut it into two manageable sections.
    • Some brands come in smaller portions already, while others, like this Kontos brand, come in 14″ X 18″ sheets. After cutting them in half, you should end up with two 14″ X 9″ sections.
    • (Roll up half of the fillo sheets for another time, making sure they are sealed in the plastic and store in the freezer.)
    • Preheat oven to 350-degrees F.
    • Cover fillo sheets with plastic, or parchment paper, followed by a damp washcloth to keep the sheets from drying out.
    • Place another large sheet of parchment paper next to the sheets of fillo dough. This will be used to assemble the apple strudel.
    • Place a sheet of fillo on the parchment paper and brush with butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon finely ground walnuts.
    • Dust with powdered sugar. Continue these steps until you have used up ½ of the sheets (approximately 8 to 10 sheets).
    • Generously brush the last sheet of fillo dough with butter.
    • Pile half of the apple mixture on the fillo dough close to one edge, leaving a 2″ border from the top, bottom, and one of the sides.
    • Lift up on the parchment paper to fold the top, bottom, and side with the 2″ border over the apple filling. Generously baste with the reserved apple juices.
    • Continue rolling the dough over the filling until you have a tight package.
    • Brush the top with additional apple juices and butter.
    • Using a spatula, place the strudel on a pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until brown and crispy.
    • While the first strudel is cooking, assemble the second strudel using the remaining ingredients.
    • Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle the baked strudel with powdered sugar before serving.

    Notes

    • Defrost frozen fillo dough in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature on the counter for 30 minutes before using it.
    • Since you’re making two strudels, consider making one with nuts/raisins and one without to satisfy everyone!
    • If you prefer a sweeter strudel, drizzle the strudel with Salted Caramel Sauce before serving.
    • For an even easier apple strudel recipe, use preserves as a filling. Apple Preserves or Pear Apple Preserves are both excellent options!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 159mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 23g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

    More Sweets Recipes

    • Cheese Kunafa Recipe (Kunefe)
    • Date And Walnut Cake
    • Halloween Chocolate Covered Oreos
    • Canning Apple Pie Filling

    Sharing is caring!

    151 shares
    • Share88
    • Yummly
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Terry Smith says

      February 23, 2020 at 7:36 am

      Do you have any other recipes for filling for the Fillo dough? I once had a strudel at a restaurant with some kind of chicken and mushroom filling. Your recipe for apple strudel sounds wonderful. I’ll try to order the dough online. Thanks, Terry

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        February 23, 2020 at 12:39 pm

        I usually use the dough to make baklava and spanikopita (spinach/egg filling). However, I love the chicken and mushroom idea. I might have some experimenting to do!

        Reply
    2. Kelly Methey says

      February 22, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds so yummy! Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        February 23, 2020 at 7:13 am

        Thanks, Kelly, wish I could serve you up a slice!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    profile photo-Hilda

    Hi, I'm Hilda! I'm the creator of Hilda's Kitchen Blog, author of Mom's Authentic Assyrian Recipes, and a recipe contributor to Brian Baumgartner's Seriously Good Chili Cookbook (AKA Kevin Malone, from The Office).

    Are you looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen? Let me show you how to use unique ingredients to make tasty meals for your family! more about me →

    Get My Cookbook!

    cook book on a wooden board

    Healthy Salads

    • Zesty Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
    • Tabouli (Tabbouleh) Salad Recipe
    • Green Goddess Salad Recipe
    • Oil and Vinegar Coleslaw
    • Roasted Beetroot Salad With Walnuts And Feta
    • Lebanese Fattoush Salad

    Check Out My Etsy Shop!

    montana healing salves logo

    Game Day Appetizers

    • Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
    • Traeger Smoked Potatoes (with oven instructions)
    • How To Make An Easy Charcuterie Board
    • Smoked Cream Cheese (2 Ways)
    • Keto Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
    • Chicken Chips: A Keto Chicken Thigh Recipe

    Featured On

    featured on

    Subscribe to Get my Latest Recipes!

    Privacy Policy

    Stay Connected

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • My Etsy Shop

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Photo & Content Sharing Policy

    LET'S CONNECT!

    • Contact Page
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 • Hildas Kitchen Blog • All rights reserved