Today is National Apple Strudel Day. National Apple Strudel Day was started by a group of pastry chefs in Austria in the late 1990s. They wanted to honor the country’s traditional food, and they decided to dedicate a day to the celebration of the iconic dessert. The chefs chose this day, and the holiday has been celebrated ever since.

Strudel has been a staple of Austrian cuisine for centuries, and it remains a favorite today. The history of apple strudel dates back to the 16th century, when it became popular in Austria, Germany, and Hungary. The traditional strudel is filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar and can be served as a dessert or a snack.

The exact origins of apple strudel are unclear, but it is believed to have been first created by the Austrian chef Gebhard Erich in the late 16th century. Erich was known for his skill in creating desserts, and he is widely credited with inventing the beloved apple strudel.

The oldest known recipe for apple strudel was found in a handwritten cookbook from the 16th century called, “Kuchbuch zu Ehren Maria Theresias” (Cookbook in Honor of Marie Theresa). The cookbook, which is now housed in the State Library of Upper Austria, contains a recipe for strudel that is said to be the same one that Gebhard Erich created.

 

The recipe for apple strudel found in the 16th century cookbook is as follows:

Ingredients:

•  5 apples
•  2 tablespoons of raisins
•  1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
•  1 teaspoon of cinnamon
•  2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
•  1 tablespoon of melted butter
•  1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon rind
•  1/4 pound of puff pastry

 

Instructions:

1. Peel and core the apples and cut them into thin slices.
2. Mix the apples, raisins, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs together in a bowl.
3. Grease a baking sheet with the melted butter.
4. Place the puff pastry on the baking sheet and spread the apple mixture on top.
5. Sprinkle the grated lemon rind over the top.
6. Bake the strudel in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes.
7. Serve warm.

 

In the United States, apple strudel is a popular dessert, and it is estimated that more than 17 million pounds of it are consumed each year. Globally, the consumption of apple strudel has increased in recent years, and it is estimated that more than 50 million pounds of strudel are consumed annually.

 

Fun Facts about Apple Strudel

Apple strudel is considered the national dish of Austria.

Strudel is traditionally served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The traditional Austrian strudel dough is made with flour, butter, yogurt, egg yolk, and a pinch of salt.

The word strudel is derived from the German word “striezel,” which means “whirlpool.”

Apple strudel is one of the most popular desserts in Germany and Austria.

 

One of the most famous people associated with apple strudel in recent times is Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck. He is well-known for his skill in creating delicious apple strudels. Additionally, the Austrian pastry chef Kurt Gutenbrunner is also known for his innovative and delicious apple strudel recipes.

National Apple Strudel Day is a great way to celebrate the delicious Austrian dessert and its long history. Enjoy a slice of your favorite apple strudel and pay homage to the traditional recipe that has been enjoyed for centuries. Let us know in the comments if you like Apple Strudel.