Craving a dessert that’s comforting, crispy, and filled with fragrant spiced apples?

This Jamie Oliver Apple Strudel Recipe is a delightful take on a classic Austrian dessert that brings warmth and elegance to your table. Featuring thin, flaky pastry wrapped around tender apples, raisins, cinnamon, and buttery breadcrumbs, this dessert is simple yet stunning. Serve it warm with cream, custard, or ice cream for the perfect finishing touch to any meal.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel?

The Jamie Oliver Apple Strudel is a rustic dessert made with thin layers of filo pastry filled with a mixture of apples, raisins, sugar, cinnamon, and toasted breadcrumbs. The strudel is rolled up, brushed with butter, and baked until golden and crisp. Jamie’s approach focuses on simple ingredients and a relaxed, hands-on preparation style that makes this classic dessert accessible for home cooks.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Crispy and golden pastry – Filo layers bake into a perfectly flaky shell.
Warm, spiced apple filling – A cozy combination of sweetness and spice.
Perfect for entertaining – Elegant yet easy to make ahead.
Naturally vegetarian – No complicated substitutions needed.
Customizable – Add nuts or swap fruits based on preference.
Beautiful presentation – Looks impressive with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel

Each ingredient plays an important role in texture and flavor:

Apples – 4 medium (Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled and thinly sliced: Firm, tart apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Raisins – ½ cup (soaked in warm water or rum): Adds sweetness and chew.
Caster sugar – ⅓ cup: Sweetens the filling.
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon: Brings warmth and depth.
Lemon zest – from 1 lemon: Brightens the filling and balances the apples.
Filo pastry – 6–8 sheets (thawed if frozen): Forms the thin, crisp outer shell.
Unsalted butter – 100g (melted): Brushed between pastry layers and on top.
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (fresh or dry): Toasted in butter to absorb moisture.
Icing sugar – for dusting: Optional, for a pretty finish.
Plain flour – for dusting (optional): Helps with rolling and handling.

Equipment Needed

Gather these simple tools before you start:

Large mixing bowl
Frying pan (for toasting breadcrumbs)
Pastry brush
Baking tray lined with parchment paper
Clean kitchen towel or tea towel
Sharp knife or mandoline (for slicing apples)

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Slice apples: Peel and thinly slice the apples.
Soak raisins: Soak in warm water (or rum) for 10 minutes, then drain.
Toast breadcrumbs: In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and toast breadcrumbs until golden. Set aside.
Combine filling: In a bowl, mix apples, raisins, sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and toasted breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Set Up the Pastry

Lay out a clean tea towel: It will help with rolling.
Layer the filo sheets: Lay the first filo sheet on the towel and brush with melted butter. Repeat, layering 6–8 sheets and brushing each with butter.

Step 3: Add the Filling and Roll

Spoon the filling: Place it evenly along one long edge of the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border.
Tuck and roll: Fold the short edges in, then gently roll the strudel away from you using the towel to help. Transfer seam-side down onto a lined baking tray.

Step 4: Bake the Strudel

Brush with remaining butter: This helps create that golden, crisp finish.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 30–35 minutes: Until crisp and deeply golden.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Cool for 10 minutes: Helps the filling set slightly.
Dust with icing sugar and slice: Serve with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel

Vanilla custard – A classic creamy pairing.
Whipped cream – Light and airy to complement the pastry.
Vanilla ice cream – Cold and creamy against the warm strudel.
Caramel sauce drizzle – Adds sweetness and shine.
Mulled wine or tea – Ideal for winter or festive occasions.
Toasted nuts – Add crunch when sprinkled on top.
Fresh mint leaves – For a fresh and decorative finish.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Apple Strudel

A few helpful tips to ensure your strudel comes out perfectly every time:

Use tart apples like Granny Smith – They hold shape and balance sweetness.
Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause the pastry to tear or leak.
Work quickly with filo – Keep sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent drying.
Let it cool slightly before slicing – Prevents the filling from spilling out.
Layer generously with butter – It’s essential for that crispy finish.
Toast the breadcrumbs well – They soak up juices and keep the base from going soggy.
Roll gently but tightly – Ensures an even bake and neat appearance.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel

Get creative and personalize your strudel with these variations:

Add chopped walnuts or almonds – For extra crunch and richness.
Use pears instead of apples – For a softer, sweeter alternative.
Sprinkle in nutmeg or cardamom – Adds depth to the spice mix.
Try apricots or dried cranberries – Swap or mix with raisins for a twist.
Brush with egg wash instead of butter – For a more golden, glossy crust.
Use puff pastry instead of filo – A shortcut that’s still delicious.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel

Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation and sogginess.
Store in an airtight container – Keeps it fresh for up to 3 days.
Do not refrigerate uncovered – Moisture will ruin the pastry’s crispness.
Freeze before baking if needed – Assemble, freeze, and bake from frozen (add 10 extra minutes).
Warm in oven before serving – Refreshes the crust and flavor.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel

Use the oven for crispiness: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid the microwave: It softens the pastry and affects the texture.
Air fryer method: Heat at 160°C for 5–7 minutes for a crisp exterior.
Reheat individual slices: Keeps cooking even and avoids overbaking.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Strudel Healthier?

Use less butter: Brush lightly between layers instead of generously.
Use whole grain breadcrumbs: Adds fiber and texture.
Reduce added sugar: Let the apples’ natural sweetness shine.
Add nuts for healthy fats: Walnuts or almonds are nutrient-dense additions.
Serve with Greek yogurt instead of cream: A healthier topping choice.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 310
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

What type of apples are best for making apple strudel?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn are best for apple strudel. They hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the filling.

How do I keep the filo pastry from tearing while making strudel?

Keep the filo pastry covered with a damp towel while working, and handle gently. Brush each sheet with melted butter to keep them flexible and easy to roll.

Do I need to cook the apples before putting them in the strudel?

No, the apples are sliced thinly and baked raw inside the strudel. They soften and release flavor during baking while maintaining a pleasant bite.

Can I prepare apple strudel in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the strudel a few hours ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. Bake just before serving for the freshest, crispiest texture.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Apple Strudel Recipe is a heartwarming dessert with a flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and all the charm of homemade baking. It’s simple, adaptable, and always a hit—perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of cream, and you’ve got a classic dessert that’s hard to resist.

Jamie Oliver Apple Strudel Recipe