Name: Apple Cream Cheese Strudel: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 3/4 cup lukewarm water; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup raisins (optional); 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon milk or cream; Powdered sugar

Apple Cream Cheese Strudel, a symphony of flaky pastry, sweet apples, and tangy cream cheese, is a dessert that whispers of cozy autumn evenings and warm family gatherings. Have you ever bitten into a strudel where the filling is just *perfect* – not too sweet, not too tart, but a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your tongue? That's precisely what we're aiming for with this recipe!

Strudel, with its roots deeply embedded in Austrian and German culinary traditions, has a rich history dating back centuries. It evolved from earlier forms of layered pastries and became a staple in coffee houses and family kitchens alike. The beauty of strudel lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its versatility. While apple is a classic choice, the filling can be adapted to include various fruits, nuts, and spices.

People adore Apple Cream Cheese Strudel for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crisp, buttery layers of the pastry provide a satisfying crunch, while the tender, spiced apples and the creamy, slightly tart cream cheese filling create a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. It's a dessert that's both comforting and elegant, perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat. Plus, while it may seem intimidating, making your own strudel is surprisingly achievable with the right guidance. So, let's embark on this delicious journey together and create a masterpiece that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Filling:

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

For Brushing:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon milk or cream

For Dusting (optional):

Powdered sugar

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let's get started with the dough. This is the most crucial part, so pay close attention! Don't be intimidated; it's easier than it looks.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, lukewarm water, and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps to relax the gluten in the flour, making the dough more pliable.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Don't overmix at this stage.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, lightly coat it with oil, and place it back in the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or even better, 2 hours. This resting period is essential for the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to stretch later. You can even refrigerate the dough overnight; just bring it back to room temperature before stretching.

Preparing the Apple Cream Cheese Filling:

While the dough is resting, let's get the delicious filling ready. The combination of apples and cream cheese is just heavenly!

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 fine.
Combine Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins (if using), and chopped nuts (if using). Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugars.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened, or you'll end up with lumps.

Stretching the Dough:

This is where the magic happens! Stretching the dough requires a bit of patience, but the result is a paper-thin pastry that's perfect for strudel.

Prepare Your Workspace: Cover a large table or countertop with a clean tablecloth or a large sheet of parchment paper. Lightly dust the surface with flour.
Roll Out the Dough: Place the rested dough on the floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches.
Stretch the Dough: Now comes the fun part! Gently lift the dough and place your hands underneath, using the backs of your hands to gently stretch the dough outwards. Work your way around the dough, stretching it thinner and thinner. Be careful not to tear the dough. If you do get a small tear, don't worry too much; you can patch it up later. The goal is to stretch the dough until it's almost translucent, like a thin sheet of paper. You should be able to see the pattern of the tablecloth underneath.
Trim the Edges: Once the dough is stretched thin, trim off any thick or uneven edges with a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

Assembling the Strudel:

Now that we have our stretched dough and delicious filling, it's time to put everything together!

Brush with Butter: Brush the entire surface of the stretched dough with melted butter. This will help the layers of the strudel to become flaky and golden brown.
Sprinkle with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the buttered dough. The breadcrumbs will absorb any excess moisture from the apple filling and prevent the strudel from becoming soggy.
Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border along one of the long edges.
Arrange the Apple Filling: Arrange the apple filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Roll Up the Strudel: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, gently roll up the strudel like a jelly roll. Be careful not to roll it too tightly, or the filling will squeeze out.
Seal the Edges: Pinch the edges of the dough to seal them tightly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the strudel to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Strudel:

Almost there! The final step is to bake the strudel until it's golden brown and bubbly.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush with Butter and Milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining melted butter and milk or cream. Brush the top of the strudel with this mixture. This will give the strudel a beautiful golden-brown color.
Bake the Strudel: Bake the strudel for 40-45 minutes, or until it's golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the top of the strudel starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Cool and Serve: Let the strudel cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Tips for Success:

Don't Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough will result in a tough strudel. Knead it just until it's smooth and elastic.
Rest the Dough: Resting the dough is crucial for gluten relaxation. Don't skip this step!
Stretch the Dough Carefully: Be patient when stretching the dough. Work slowly and gently to avoid tearing it.
Use Good Quality Apples: The flavor of the apples will greatly impact the flavor of the strudel. Choose apples that are firm, crisp, and flavorful.
Don't Overfill the Strudel: Overfilling the strudel will make it difficult to roll up and may cause the filling to leak out during baking.

Variations:

Add Different Fruits: You can add other fruits to the filling, such as pears, berries, or peaches.
Use Different Nuts: You can use different nuts in the filling, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
Add Spices: You can add other spices to the filling, such as ginger, cardamom, or cloves.
Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter, cream cheese, and milk to make this strudel vegan.

Storage:

Store leftover strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion:

This Apple Cream Cheese Strudel is more than just a dessert; it's an experience. The flaky, golden crust gives way to a warm, comforting filling of sweet apples and tangy cream cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, rich and light, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it's surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers a gourmet-level result that will impress your family and friends. Think of it: the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen, the satisfying crunch of the pastry as you take your first bite, and the smiles on the faces of those you share it with. This isn't just about following a recipe; it's about creating memories and sharing moments of joy. And honestly, who doesn't love a good strudel? But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! While I've shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and make it your own. For a richer flavor, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture. A sprinkle of raisins soaked in rum would also be a delightful addition. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even incorporate other fruits like pears or cranberries for a seasonal twist. Serving suggestions are endless! A warm slice of this Apple Cream Cheese Strudel is divine on its own, but it's even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of elegance. For a brunch gathering, serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a dessert party, pair it with a glass of dessert wine. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), it's delicious cold straight from the fridge. I've poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's the perfect dessert for holidays, special occasions, or even just a cozy night in. It's a guaranteed winner, and I can't wait for you to experience the magic of this homemade strudel. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake! I promise you won't regret it. This Apple Cream Cheese Strudel is a recipe that you'll want to make again and again. And now, the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? I'm always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you've made this recipe your own. Don't be shy – your feedback is invaluable! Happy baking!