Spiced Apple-Date Strudel: A Modern Twist on Austrian Heritage
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples (800g/28oz), thinly sliced
- 6 large Medjool dates (120g/4.2oz), pitted and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cardamom (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg (1g)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (30g/1oz)
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (275g/9.7oz), thawed
- 1 large egg for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
- Lightly flour your work surface
- Prepare the Filling
- Core and slice apples into 1/8-inch (3mm) thick slices
- Toss sliced apples with chopped dates
- Add cardamom and nutmeg, ensuring even distribution
- Fold in chopped walnuts
- Let mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- Assemble the Strudel
- Roll out puff pastry to a 14×16-inch (35x40cm) rectangle
- Position pastry with long side facing you
- Arrange filling in a 4-inch (10cm) wide strip along the bottom edge
- Leave 2-inch (5cm) borders on sides
- Rolling and Sealing
- Carefully lift bottom edge of pastry
- Roll tightly over filling, jelly-roll style
- Seal side edges by pinching firmly
- Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet
- Brush entire surface with beaten egg
- Cut 4-5 diagonal slits across top for steam vents
- Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until deeply golden brown
- Rotate pan halfway through baking
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing
Expert Tips
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance
- Ensure dates are fresh and soft for optimal natural sweetness
- Let puff pastry thaw completely before handling to prevent tears
- Cool completely before cutting to maintain structural integrity
Storage Instructions
Store the baked strudel covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1/8 of strudel):
- Calories: 285
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Natural Sugars: 18g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 3 inches/7.5cm)
- Servings Per Recipe: 8
This spiced apple-date strudel offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness and warming spices, wrapped in crispy, golden puff pastry. The addition of dates not only enhances the nutritional profile but creates a caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the tart apples and aromatic spices.
