Cinnamon Apple Strudel

Cinnamon Apple Strudel … a classic Western dessert featuring delicate, crispy pastry layers filled with tender apples infused with cinnamon. It’s a delightful combination of sweet flavors and warm, aromatic spices, perfect as a treat with tea or coffee, and can be enjoyed warm with ice cream.

Ingredients

• Butter: 1/2 cup (melted)
• Apples: 3.3 pounds (peeled, cored, and sliced 1/2 inch thick)
• Raisins: 1/4 cup (black)
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (ground)
• Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
• Powdered Sugar: 1/3 cup
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (ground)
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup
• Phyllo Dough: 8 sheets
• Almonds: 1/4 cup (sliced, plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
• Ice Cream: As desired (vanilla / for serving / optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (or 400°F for convection ovens). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1.5 tablespoons of the melted butter.
3. Add the apples, raisins, and cinnamon. Gently stir the ingredients for 10 to 12 minutes, until the apples begin to soften slightly.
4. Stir in the lemon zest and powdered sugar. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
5. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the brown sugar. Add 1/4 cup of this mixture to the apple filling and mix well.
6. Lay the phyllo sheets on your work surface, covering them with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out as you work.
7. Spread the apple filling evenly along the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border on the ends and sides.
8. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the filling. Fold the edges of the dough inward, then tightly roll it up to form a strudel.
9. Place the strudel on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the extra almonds.
10. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (or 325°F for convection) and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
11. Serve the cinnamon apple strudel warm or cold, with vanilla ice cream if desired.