Prepare your workspace
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly flour your work surface.
Prepare the filling
Core the apples and cut them into 1/8-inch (3-mm) thick slices.
Toss apple slices with chopped dates.
Stir in cardamom and nutmeg, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Fold in chopped walnuts.
Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Assemble the strudel
Roll out the puff pastry to a 14-by-16-inch (35-x-40-cm) rectangle.
Lay the dough out with the longest side facing you.
Place the filling in a 4-inch (10-cm) wide strip along the bottom edge.
Leave 2-inch (5-cm) borders on the sides.
Roll and seal
Carefully lift the bottom edge of the dough.
Roll it tightly over the filling, like a jelly roll.
Seal the side edges by pinching them firmly.
Place seam side down on prepared baking sheet.
Brush entire surface with beaten egg.
Cut 4-5 diagonal slits in top for steam vents.
Baking
Bake for 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown.
Rotate pan halfway through baking.
Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips
Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of texture and flavor.
Make sure dates are fresh and soft for optimal natural sweetness.
Allow puff pastry to thaw completely before handling to prevent tearing.
Cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity.
Storage Instructions
Store baked strudel covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1/8 strudel):
Calories: 285
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Natural Sugars: 18g
Added Sugars: 0g
Protein: 4g
Serving Size: 1 slice (about 3 inches/7.5cm)
Servings Per Recipe: 8
This spiced date and apple strudel offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness and warm spices, wrapped in a crisp, golden puff pastry crust. The addition of dates not only improves the nutritional profile, but creates a caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the tart apples and aromatic spices.
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