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Jaškovo Strudel

Olga Vareskic
Jaškovo strudel is a beloved Croatian dessert that showcases the art of traditional strudel (Štrukle) making. This recipe creates a delicate, flaky pastry filled with sweet spiced apples, walnuts, and raisins, topped with a warm vanilla sauce. Named after the town of Jaškovo, famous for its annual Štrudlafest, this strudel combines simple ingredients to create a comforting dessert that's perfect for family gatherings. The delicate process of stretching the dough paper-thin is a technique passed down through generations of Croatian families, resulting in multiple layers of crispy, buttery pastry wrapped around a fragrant apple filling.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Croatian
Servings 12 People
Calories 729 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 Clean kitchen cloth/tea towel (for stretching dough)
  • 1 Large baking tray
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Grater (for apples)
  • 1 Pastry brush (for oil)
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Small saucepan (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1 Kitchen scales
  • 1 Vegetable peeler (for apples)
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls (various sizes)
  • 1 Sieve (for dusting with powdered sugar)
  • 1 Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, athough traditionally made by hand)
  • 1 Cooling rack (optional but helpful)
  • Serving platter

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 480 grams flour
  • 300 ml oil
  • 20 grams salt
  • 300 ml water

For the Filling:

  • 1.4 kg apples (apples should be tart cooking apples like Granny Smith)
  • 200 grams ground walnuts
  • 100 grams raisins
  • 240 grams sugar
  • 120 grams vanilla sugar
  • 10 grams cinnamon
  • 100 grams breadcrumbs

For the Topping:

  • Milk
  • Vanilla pudding
  • Sugar

To Decorate:

  • Ground walnuts
  • Fresh mint
  • Rum (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Make the Dough:
    Combine all dough ingredients and mix well
    Let the dough rest for approximately 30 minutes
    Roll out with a rolling pin
    Brush with oil and let sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb
  • Prepare the Filling:
    Peel and grate the apples
    In a bowl, combine grated apples with sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon
    Mix well
  • Assemble the Strudel:
    Stretch the dough using your fingers until very thin
    Sprinkle breadcrumbs over half of the stretched dough
    Squeeze excess juice from the apple mixture
    Spread apple filling over the breadcrumbs
    Sprinkle with walnuts and raisins (soaked in rum if desired)
    Roll up the strudel carefully
  • Bake:
    Preheat oven to 180°C
    Grease a baking tray with oil
    Place strudel on tray
    Bake for 25-30 minutes
  • Finish and Serve:
    While baking, prepare warm vanilla sauce
    Once baked, dust with powdered sugar
    Pour topping over strudel
    Garnish with ground walnuts and mint
    Serve warm

Notes

Baka's Note: While this is a traditional recipe from Jaškovo, remember that every Croatian family has their special way of making strudel - it's always worth asking your baka or mama for their tried and true tips and techniques. After all, the best recipes are those passed down through generations, perfected in family kitchens across Croatia and here in Australia.
Recipe Notes:
  • The dough should rest at room temperature, cold dough will be difficult to stretch
  • When stretching the dough, work slowly and gently to avoid tears
  • Apples should be tart cooking apples (like Granny Smith) for best results
  • Drain the grated apples well to prevent a soggy bottom
  • The dough should be stretched thin enough to be translucent, you should be able to see the pattern of your tablecloth through it
  • Let the strudel cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices
  • Best served warm on the day it's made
  • Can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, covered with a clean tea towel
  • Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving
Variations:
  • Raisins can be soaked in rum for extra flavour
  • Can substitute walnuts with almonds
  • Try adding some lemon zest to the apple filling for extra freshness
  • Leftover dough can be frozen for up to 1 month
Extra Info:
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Croatian
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
Keyword Apple strudel, Croatian baking, Croatian strudel, Jaškovo Strudel, Strudel, Štrukle, Traditional Croatian dessert