I’ve been perfecting this Apple-Date Strudel recipe for years, combining traditional Austrian pastry-making techniques with the natural sweetness of dates. This rendition transforms the classic apple strudel into a more nutritious dessert while maintaining its cherished flaky texture and warming spices.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Dating back to the Habsburg Empire, strudel has graced European tables for centuries. While traditional strudels rely heavily on sugar, I’ve revolutionized this classic by incorporating Medjool dates, nature’s caramel, creating a perfectly balanced sweetness that complements the tart apples.
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.
