Walnut Strudel

Delicious Walnut Strudel Recipe from Romania - Step by Step Guide

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Walnut strudel is a delicious and traditional dessert that originated in Central Europe. This sweet pastry is filled with a mixture of ground walnuts, sugar, and breadcrumbs, creating a rich and nutty flavor. The strudel dough is rolled out thin and then filled with the walnut mixture before being baked to golden perfection. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The recipe for walnut strudel has been passed down through generations in Central Europe, particularly in countries like Austria, Hungary, and Germany. This dessert is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, as it is a labor of love to make the delicate strudel dough from scratch. The combination of sweet ground walnuts and flaky pastry has made walnut strudel a beloved dessert around the world.

Ingredients

strudel dough
oil for greasing the pan
confectioner's sugar with vanilla flavor

Filling

10 oz / 300 g ground walnuts
3 tbsp plain breadcrumbs
10 oz / 300 g confectioner's sugar
0.5 cup tepid oil
vanilla

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the ground walnuts, sugar, bread crumbs, and vanilla.
Grease the dough with tepid oil and evenly sprinkle the filling over the dough.
Using a table cloth as an aid, roll the dough like a jelly roll.
Cut the rolled dough into pieces that are the same size as the baking pan.
Arrange the dough pieces in the greased pan.
Before baking, use a very sharp oiled knife to cut the dough into 1.5 inch portions.
Bake the dough in the oven.
Carefully remove each baked piece from the pan and sprinkle them with vanilla flavored confectioner's sugar.
If desired, you can use butter instead of oil.

Variations

Add raisins or dried cranberries to the walnut filling for a burst of sweetness.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked strudel for an extra indulgent touch.
Substitute almonds or pecans for the walnuts in the filling for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the strudel dough very thin to achieve a flaky and delicate pastry.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into equal portions before baking.

- Sprinkle the baked strudel with confectioner's sugar while it is still warm for a sweet finish.

- Serve the walnut strudel with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve walnut strudel warm with a dusting of confectioner's sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use a table cloth to help roll out the strudel dough thin and evenly.

- Grease the pan well before baking to prevent the strudel from sticking.

- Cut the rolled dough into equal portions before baking for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute butter for oil in the filling for a richer flavor.

- Use almond or vanilla extract instead of vanilla flavor for a different taste.

- Swap out the ground walnuts for ground almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Walnut strudel can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving for a fresh and crispy texture.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the baked strudel pieces on a platter and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar for a beautiful presentation. Serve with a side of whipped cream or ice cream for a stunning dessert display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair walnut strudel with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. The nutty flavor of the strudel complements the rich and bold flavors of coffee, while tea provides a light and refreshing contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover walnut strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of walnut strudel contains approximately 300 calories. This calorie count may vary depending on the size of the serving and the ingredients used in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of walnut strudel contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the strudel dough and the confectioner's sugar used in the filling and topping.

Fats

Walnut strudel is a rich dessert that contains a significant amount of fats. Each serving of walnut strudel contains approximately 20 grams of fats, primarily from the ground walnuts and oil used in the filling and dough.

Proteins

Despite being a dessert, walnut strudel contains a moderate amount of proteins. Each serving of walnut strudel contains approximately 5 grams of proteins, mainly from the ground walnuts used in the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Walnut strudel is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus from the walnuts. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Walnut strudel contains walnuts, which are a common allergen for some individuals. It is important to be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when serving walnut strudel to guests.

Summary

Overall, walnut strudel is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation. While it is high in fats and carbohydrates, it also provides a good amount of proteins and essential nutrients from the walnuts. Pairing walnut strudel with a balanced meal can help balance out the nutritional content of this sweet treat.

Summary

Walnut strudel is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This sweet pastry is filled with a rich and nutty mixture of ground walnuts, sugar, and breadcrumbs, creating a delightful treat that is sure to impress. Serve walnut strudel warm with a dusting of confectioner's sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that will leave your guests wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Walnut Strudel. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling from the trees outside, creating a beautiful carpet of reds and golds on the ground. I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in a small village nestled in the hills of Hungary. Maria was known for her incredible baking skills and had promised to teach me one of her most prized recipes.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a weathered old cookbook that had been passed down through her family for generations. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for – Walnut Strudel. I could hardly contain my excitement as she began to explain the ingredients and steps involved in making this delicious pastry.

The first step was to prepare the dough, a delicate process that required patience and skill. Maria showed me how to mix the flour, water, and butter together until it formed a smooth, elastic dough. She then demonstrated the technique of stretching the dough paper-thin, using only the backs of her hands to gently stretch and pull it across the table. It was a sight to behold, watching her expertly maneuver the dough until it was thin enough to see through.

Next came the filling – a mixture of finely chopped walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon zest. Maria explained that the key to a delicious Walnut Strudel was to evenly distribute the filling across the stretched dough, making sure not to overfill it. She then showed me how to carefully roll the dough, tucking in the edges as we went, until we had a long, slender pastry ready to be baked.

As the Walnut Strudel baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nuts filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Maria and I sat at the table, sipping on hot tea and chatting about life as we waited for the pastry to finish baking. When the timer finally dinged, we eagerly pulled the Walnut Strudel from the oven, the golden crust glistening in the light.

As Maria sliced the strudel into neat portions, we each took a bite, savoring the buttery dough and sweet, nutty filling. It was a moment of pure bliss, enjoying the fruits of our labor and reveling in the joy of creating something delicious together. Maria looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "Now you have the secret recipe for Walnut Strudel – a tradition that you can pass down to your own family someday."

And pass it down, I did. Over the years, I have made Maria's Walnut Strudel countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, teaching them the same techniques and tricks that Maria taught me all those years ago. And each time I make Walnut Strudel, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen in Hungary, the scent of cinnamon and nuts filling the air, and the warmth of friendship and tradition surrounding me.

So now, whenever I make Walnut Strudel, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for my dear friend Maria and the legacy she passed down to me. And I hope that as my family enjoys this delicious pastry, they too will feel the love and connection that comes from sharing a homemade recipe with those you hold dear.