Place them in a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice.
Squeeze out some of the excess apple liquid. The filling should remain juicy but not watery.
Add the sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and raisins if using.
Mix well.
2. Toast the Breadcrumbs
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
Add the breadcrumbs and toast them lightly until golden and fragrant.
Remove from the heat and set aside.
The breadcrumbs help absorb some of the apple juices and keep the pastry crisp.
3. Prepare the Pastry
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place one sheet of filo pastry on a clean work surface.
Brush lightly with melted butter.
Place another sheet on top and brush again.
Continue layering the pastry until you have a sturdy stack.
4. Add the Filling
Sprinkle some of the toasted breadcrumbs over the pastry.
Place the apple mixture along one long side, leaving a small border around the edges.
Don’t add too much filling or the strudel may become difficult to roll.
5. Roll the Strudel
Fold the sides of the pastry inward.
Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, enclosing the apple filling.
Place the strudel seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the entire surface generously with melted butter.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and beautifully golden brown.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final part of baking.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the strudel to cool for about 10–15 minutes.
Dust generously with powdered sugar.
Slice with a sharp knife and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Hungarian Apple Strudel
Choose apples that are slightly tart and firm.
Squeeze out excess apple juice so the pastry doesn’t become soggy.
Don’t skip the toasted breadcrumbs.
Keep filo pastry covered with a clean damp towel while working so it doesn’t dry out.
Brush each pastry layer lightly with butter.
Don’t overfill the strudel.
Let it rest briefly before slicing so the filling settles.
Serving Suggestions
Hungarian Almás Rétes is delicious served with:
Powdered sugar
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Vanilla sauce
A spoonful of sour cream
A cup of strong coffee
Hungarian fruit tea
Recipe Summary
Cuisine: Hungarian 🇭🇺 Course: Dessert Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 30–40 minutes Total Time: About 1 hour Servings: 8
Final Thoughts
Hungarian Apple Strudel (Almás Rétes) combines crisp, buttery pastry with tender cinnamon apples and a delicate sweetness. The toasted breadcrumbs help create the traditional texture while keeping the pastry beautifully crisp.
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