Viennese Apple Strudel
Paper-thin pastry wrapped around spiced apples, raisins and buttery breadcrumbs — the classic Austrian dessert, made at home.
In a nutshell: This authentic austrian viennese apple strudel comes together in just 1 hr 10 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: it dries out and cracks within minutes in open air, and cracked sheets tear when rolling. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Viennese apple strudel: flaky pastry wrapped around spiced apples and raisins. A classic Austrian holiday dessert, made at home.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Clean tea towel
- Pastry brush
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Keep unused phyllo under a damp towel: it dries out and cracks within minutes in open air, and cracked sheets tear when rolling.
- Slice the apples thin, about 1/8 inch: thick chunks stay crunchy inside and poke through the delicate pastry.
- Do not skip the breadcrumb layer: it soaks up apple juices so the bottom stays flaky instead of soggy.
Ingredients
8
servings
-
6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
-
½ cup butter, melted, divided
-
4 apples, Granny Smith, peeled and thinly sliced
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
-
½ cup raisins
-
½ cup breadcrumbs, fine, dry
-
½ cup walnuts, chopped, optional
-
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
-
1 tsp lemon zest
-
2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Toast the Breadcrumbs
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and toast the breadcrumbs until golden, about 3 minutes. Buttery breadcrumbs absorb apple juice and keep the pastry crisp — never skip them.
Mix the Filling
Toss the sliced apples with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, walnuts, lemon juice and zest. Let sit for 10 minutes so the flavours marry.
Layer the Phyllo
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a tea towel on the counter and stack the phyllo sheets on it, brushing each with melted butter and dusting lightly with breadcrumbs as you go.
Fill and Roll
Spread the remaining breadcrumbs over the top sheet, spoon the apple filling along one long edge, and roll up snugly using the towel to help, tucking the ends under. Transfer seam-side down to a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with the remaining butter.
Bake and Dust
Bake 35-40 minutes until deeply golden and crisp. Cool for 15 minutes, dust generously with powdered sugar, and slice with a serrated knife.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes — it is easier and still delicious, though the texture is puffier and less shattering than classic phyllo strudel. Bake at 400°F and watch the time.
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sugar. Soft apples collapse into mush.
Assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked, covered. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5 minutes.
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or warm vanilla custard are all classic. A dusting of powdered sugar alone is also perfect.
Soft & Chewy Spiced Molasses Crinkle Cookies
These Soft & Chewy Spiced Molasses Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate cozy holiday baking tradition.
View Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Glaze
Surging +300% on Pinterest Trends for fall scone varieties, these Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Glaze...
View Recipe
Warm Spiced Apple Cider Punch
With apple cider punch searches spiking +700% on Pinterest, this Warm Spiced Apple Cider Punch is the...
View Recipe