Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry

To prepare the apple strudel with puff pastry, first soak the raisins in a little water. Meanwhile, pour the pine nuts into a non-stick pan 2 and toast them for about 3 minutes, or until they start to color, being careful not to burn them 3.

Set the pine nuts aside and melt a small knob of butter in the same pan 4, then add the breadcrumbs 5 and toast it for about 3 minutes, stirring often 6. When it is evenly colored, turn off the heat and set aside.

Move on to the apples: peel them 7 and cut them into wedges 8, then slice the wedges thinly from the shorter side to get small triangles 9.

Transfer the sliced apples to a bowl, then add the grated lemon zest 10, the juice of a slice 11, and the drained raisins 12.

Also add the cinnamon 13, sugar 14, and toasted pine nuts. Mix well to combine 15.

You're ready to assemble the strudel: take the puff pastry from the fridge and lay it on the work surface with its parchment paper, keeping the long side facing you, then gently roll it out with a rolling pin to form almost a square 16. Sprinkle the surface with breadcrumbs, being careful to leave an edge free around the sides 17, then place the apples in the center, using your hands or a spatula to form a sort of log 18.

At this point, lift the edges of the parchment paper to cover the filling with the puff pastry, first from one side 19 and then the other. Gently pull the pastry to overlap it exactly with the first layer, then press the seam gently to adhere. Finally, seal the ends 20 and roll them to form a rope. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the cream 21.

Brush the strudel with the mixture obtained 22, then make cuts on the surface, being careful not to press too hard, as if you wanted to cut just the first layer of pastry 23. Finally, sprinkle with granulated sugar 24. Bake the strudel in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 40 minutes, monitoring the baking: if it darkens too much on one side or on top, you can turn it or move it to a lower rack during the last 10-15 minutes.

Once baked, remove from the oven 25 and sprinkle with powdered sugar 26. Your apple strudel with puff pastry is ready to be enjoyed warm, lukewarm, or at room temperature 27!