Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel

German Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel Recipe with Pecans and Cocoa

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the delicious combination of chocolate, nuts, and apples with this Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel recipe. This sweet treat is perfect for dessert or a special breakfast.

History

The origins of strudel can be traced back to Austria and Hungary, where it is a popular pastry filled with various sweet or savory ingredients. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional strudel by incorporating chocolate, nuts, and apples for a unique and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

1 sheet (0.5 of 17.5 oz (496 g) package) frozen puff pastry
1 cup finely shredded peeled apple
0.75 cup ground pecans
0.5 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (about 15 wafers)
0.5 cup Hershey's cocoa or Hershey's Dutch processed cocoa
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) butter or margarine, melted
0.33 cup sugar
2 eggs
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp water
powdered sugar drizzle (recipe follows)
chocolate chip drizzle (recipe follows)

How to prepare

Thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Sprinkle a cookie sheet with cold water.
In a medium bowl, stir together the apple, pecans, crumbs, and cocoa.
In a small bowl, stir together the butter, sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla; add to the apple mixture and stir gently until well blended.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry with a floured rolling pin to a 12x10 inch rectangle.
Spoon the apple mixture lengthwise down the center of the pastry.
Lightly beat the remaining 1 egg and water.
Fold one side of the pastry over the apple mixture and brush the long edge with the egg mixture.
Brush the long edge of the remaining side of the pastry with the egg mixture and fold over the filling.
Press the edges together to seal.
Place the pastry, seam-side down, on the prepared cookie sheet.
Brush with the remaining egg mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
Prepare the Powdered sugar drizzle and Chocolate chip drizzle.
Drizzle the drizzles over the strudel.
Cut into slices.

Powdered sugar drizzle

In a small bowl, stir together 0.75 cup powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tsp milk until smooth and of desired consistency.

Chocolate chip drizzle

In a small microwave-safe bowl, place 0.25 cup Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1.5 tsp shortening (do not use butter or margarine).
Microwave at HIGH (100%) for 30 seconds; stir.
If necessary, microwave at HIGH for an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until the chips are melted when stirred.

Variations

Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique flavor profile. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and spice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Thaw the puff pastry properly to ensure it rolls out easily and bakes evenly.

- Be sure to seal the edges of the pastry well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Allow the strudel to cool slightly before drizzling with the powdered sugar and chocolate chip toppings for the best presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the puff pastry and folding it around the filling requires a gentle touch to prevent tearing. Take your time and work carefully to create a beautiful strudel.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans on hand, you can use any other type of nut or omit them altogether. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the strudel up to the baking stage and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it the next day for a fresh and delicious dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel into elegant portions and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the powdered sugar and chocolate chip toppings in a decorative pattern for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy this dessert with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and satisfying treat. The rich flavors of the strudel pair well with the bold flavors of a dark roast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is rich in fats, with each serving providing around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Enjoy a boost of protein with this dessert, as each serving contains about 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, while nuts provide healthy fats and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any dietary restrictions before serving.

Summary

Overall, this dessert provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the apples and nuts.

Summary

Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples, the crunch of nuts, and the richness of chocolate in a flaky pastry shell. Enjoy this treat with loved ones for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel. It was a cold and rainy day, the kind of day that makes you want to stay indoors and bake something warm and comforting. I had been flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, when I stumbled upon a tattered and stained page that caught my eye.

The recipe was handwritten in a delicate cursive script, with little notes and scribbles in the margins. It was clearly a well-loved recipe, one that had been passed down through generations. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen.

I knew I had to make it. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions carefully and adding my own touches here and there. As the strudel baked in the oven, the house filled with the most tantalizing aroma, a mixture of chocolate, nuts, and apples that made my mouth water.

When it was finally done, I pulled the golden-brown strudel out of the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into it. The layers of flaky pastry, sweet apples, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate melted together in a heavenly combination that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, to pass it down to future generations just as it had been passed down to me.

Over the years, I have made this Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel countless times, each time with a little twist or variation to keep things interesting. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce, other times I swap out the nuts for a different variety or use a mix of dark and milk chocolate.

But no matter how I choose to make it, the end result is always the same - a decadent, delicious treat that brings joy and comfort to all who taste it. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a recipe that reminds us of our heritage and the love that is shared through food.

I often think back to that rainy day when I first discovered the recipe for Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel, and I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that brought it into my life. It has become more than just a recipe - it is a connection to my past, a way to honor my ancestors and the traditions they passed down to me.

And so, I will continue to make this Chocolate Nut Apple Strudel for years to come, sharing it with those I love and creating new memories along the way. In the end, that is what cooking is all about - bringing people together, creating moments of joy and connection, and preserving the legacy of those who came before us. And for that, I am eternally grateful.