Description
Flaky, buttery strudel filled with sweet spiced apples and a tangy cream cheese filling. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Turbinado sugar or sanding sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- 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.
- Stir in the lemon juice and melted butter.
- If using, stir in the raisins and/or chopped nuts.
- Let the apple mixture sit for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and egg yolk to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Set the cream cheese filling aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Spoon the apple filling over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly. Again, leave a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll out the second dough disc into a rectangle of the same size as the first.
- Carefully place the second sheet of dough over the apple filling.
- Press the edges of the dough together to seal the strudel. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Using a sharp knife, cut several slits in the top of the strudel to allow steam to escape during baking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water).
- Brush the top of the strudel with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle the top of the strudel with turbinado sugar or sanding sugar.
- 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.
- Remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Keeping the butter cold is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up.
- Use a mandoline for even apple slices, or a sharp knife.
- Letting the apple filling sit allows the apples to release juices for a delicious sauce.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Cut slits in the top of the strudel to prevent bursting.
- Cool the strudel before slicing to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes