Mary Berry Apple Strudel

Discover the elegance and simplicity of Mary Berry's Apple Strudel, a classic dessert that promises to delight with its crisp, golden layers and rich, fruity filling. This beloved recipe, originating from the renowned Queen of Baking herself, Mary Berry, serves as a testament to her expertise and love for creating delectable treats that resonate with both tradition and comfort.

Mary Berry's Apple Strudel: A Brief Overview

Mary Berry's Apple Strudel is an exquisite dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of raisins and the crunch of almonds, all wrapped in delicate filo pastry. The strudel is dusted with confectioners' sugar for a final touch of sweetness. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect addition to any dessert table.

Cultural or Historical Context

The apple strudel, with roots in Central Europe, particularly Austria, has become a beloved dessert around the world. Mary Berry brings her unique touch to this traditional recipe, making it accessible and enjoyable for home bakers everywhere. The apple strudel's popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and versatility.

Ingredients for Mary Berry's Apple Strudel

• Filo Dough: 4 sheets, measuring 10 x 18 inches
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
• Bread Crumbs: ½ cup, fresh white
• Almonds: 3 tablespoons, sliced for the strudel; ½ cup, blanched and roughly chopped for the filling
• Confectioners' Sugar: For dusting

Filling Ingredients:

• Tart Apples: 1 ½ pounds, quartered, cored, peeled, and sliced
• Lemon: Zest and juice of 1
• Light Brown Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Spices: ½ teaspoon each of ground pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon
• Golden Raisins: ¾ cup

Preparation Instructions for Mary Berry's Apple Strudel

1. Prep Work: Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the apple filling with its blend of spices, lemon, and nuts.
2. Assembling the Strudel: Layer the filo dough, brushing each with melted butter, before adding the apple mixture and folding to enclose the filling.
3. Baking: After assembling, the strudel is baked until crisp and golden, then dusted with confectioners' sugar.

Storage and Reheating

Mary Berry's Apple Strudel can be stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. For reheating, a short time in the oven will help to preserve the crispness of the pastry.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional values of Mary Berry's Apple Strudel depend on the specific ingredients used but generally include calories from carbohydrates in the apples and pastry, as well as a modest amount of fat from the butter and almonds.

FAQ about Mary Berry's Apple Strudel

• Can I make the strudel in advance? Yes, you can prepare the strudel ahead of time and bake it just before serving to ensure it's freshly crisp.
• Are there any variations I can try? Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add cranberries for a twist on the traditional recipe.

Mary Berry's Apple Strudel stands as a testament to her culinary prowess, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to impress. Whether served warm or cold, this strudel is a testament to the joy of baking and the timeless appeal of classic desserts.

Original recipe by Mary Berry, as featured on DK.com​​​​​​.