# What You Need:
→ Apple Strudel Filling
01 - 6 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
02 - ½ cup raisins
03 - 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional) or apple juice
04 - ½ cup granulated sugar
05 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or toasted slivered almonds
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for breadcrumbs)
→ Strudel Assembly
11 - 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
12 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)
13 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
→ Vanilla Sauce
14 - 2 cups whole milk
15 - ½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
16 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
17 - 2 large egg yolks
18 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
19 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Soak raisins in rum or apple juice for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast until golden. Cool to room temperature.
04 - In a large bowl, mix sliced apples, soaked raisins, sugar, cinnamon, nuts, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly combined.
05 - Place one phyllo sheet on a clean kitchen towel and brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat layering each sheet, brushing with butter.
06 - Evenly sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top phyllo sheet, leaving a 2-inch border.
07 - Spoon apple filling along one short edge of the phyllo, leaving a 2-inch margin on sides. Roll up gently using the towel, tucking in edges. Place seam-side down on baking sheet and brush with remaining melted butter.
08 - Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
09 - Heat milk and vanilla bean or extract in a saucepan until steaming. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until thickened. Strain if desired.
10 - Slice strudel and serve warm, accompanied by vanilla sauce.
