Apple Cream Cheese Strudel: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Apple Cream Cheese Strudel: just the name conjures images of warm, flaky pastry, sweet apples, and a creamy, tangy filling, doesn’t it? Imagine biting into a slice of this delightful treat, the crisp layers of strudel dough giving way to a luscious blend of tender apples and a rich cream cheese mixture. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.

Strudel, with its origins in Austria and Germany, has a rich history dating back centuries. It evolved from similar Middle Eastern pastries and became a staple in Viennese cuisine, eventually spreading its delicious influence across the globe. While traditionally filled with apples and raisins, countless variations have emerged, each offering a unique twist on this classic dessert. This Apple Cream Cheese Strudel recipe is my personal favorite, combining the comforting familiarity of apple strudel with the decadent addition of cream cheese.

What makes this particular strudel so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, creamy and crisp. The apples provide a natural sweetness and a slightly tart counterpoint to the rich cream cheese filling. The strudel dough, when baked to golden perfection, offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! While it may look impressive, this Apple Cream Cheese Strudel is a recipe that even beginner bakers can master, bringing a touch of European elegance to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• For the Topping:
• Turbinado sugar or sanding sugar, for sprinkling

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let’s start with the dough. This is the most crucial part, so pay close attention! We want a flaky, buttery crust, and the key is to keep everything cold.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter – that’s what creates the flaky layers. Don’t overmix!
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the ice water and apple cider vinegar. Gradually add this mixture to the flour and butter, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. It should be slightly shaggy.
4. Form and Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Gently flatten each half into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a tender and flaky crust.

Making the Apple Filling:

While the dough is chilling, let’s get the apple filling ready. This is where the magic happens – the warm spices and sweet apples will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma!

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. I like to use a mandoline for even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour will help to thicken the filling as it bakes.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Butter: Stir in the lemon juice and melted butter. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and prevents the apples from browning too quickly. The melted butter adds richness and flavor.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using raisins and/or chopped nuts, stir them in now. They add a lovely texture and flavor to the filling.
5. Let it Sit: Allow the apple mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the apples to release some of their juices, which will create a delicious sauce during baking.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:

The cream cheese filling adds a tangy and creamy element that complements the sweet apples perfectly. It’s super easy to make!

1. Cream the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened, or you’ll end up with lumps.
2. Add Sugar and Egg Yolk: Add the sugar and egg yolk to the cream cheese and beat until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness and helps to bind the filling.
3. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Set Aside: Set the cream cheese filling aside until you’re ready to assemble the strudel.

Assembling the Strudel:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This can seem a little intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than it looks. Just take your time and follow these steps.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the strudel from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Roll Out the First Dough Disc: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. The dough should be very thin, almost translucent. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to your work surface.
3. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread Cream Cheese Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Top with Apple Filling: Spoon the apple filling over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly. Again, leave a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Roll Out the Second Dough Disc: Roll out the second dough disc into a rectangle of the same size as the first.
7. Place Over Filling: Carefully place the second sheet of dough over the apple filling.
8. Seal the Edges: Press the edges of the dough together to seal the strudel. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
9. Cut Slits: Using a sharp knife, cut several slits in the top of the strudel to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the strudel from bursting.
10. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water).
11. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of the strudel with the egg wash. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color.
12. Sprinkle with Sugar: Sprinkle the top of the strudel with turbinado sugar or sanding sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and sparkle.

Baking the Strudel:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the strudel until it’s golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the top of the strudel starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
2. Cool: Remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set up a bit.

Serving:

Finally, the best part – enjoying your homemade Apple Cream Cheese Strudel! It’s delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with powdered sugar, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Apple Cream Cheese Strudel isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of tart apples, creamy cheese filling, and flaky pastry creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, the aroma alone wafting from your oven is enough to make your kitchen the most popular room in the house! Why is this a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are absolutely impressive. It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests, bring to a potluck, or simply enjoy on a cozy evening with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, the apple and cream cheese combination is a classic for a reason – it’s simply irresistible. The slight tang of the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples, creating a balanced and delightful treat. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

* Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that never fails. The warm strudel melting into the cold ice cream is pure bliss. * Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A simple yet elegant touch that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. * Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the strudel. * With a dollop of Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream complements the richness of the strudel perfectly. * Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over the filling for added crunch and flavor. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the apple filling for a warmer, more festive flavor. * Fruit Variations: While this recipe focuses on apples, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears, berries, or peaches. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly. * Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling will brighten the flavor and add a refreshing touch. * Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate lovers out there, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the apple filling before baking. * Make it Mini: Cut the strudel into smaller individual portions for easy serving and snacking. I’ve made this Apple Cream Cheese Strudel countless times, and each time it’s a hit. I’ve experimented with different variations, adding nuts, spices, and even a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. Each variation has been delicious in its own way, proving just how adaptable this recipe is. Now it’s your turn! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making strudel; it’s much easier than you think. Follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and impressive dessert that everyone will love. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did you think of the flavor and texture? Share your photos and comments below. Let’s create a community of strudel lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your amazing Apple Cream Cheese Strudel creations!

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