Apple strudel with quince paste

Apple strudel instantly brings to mind the comforting aroma of homemade desserts, but there isn’t always time to prepare the filling from fresh fruit. In this version, quince paste replaces sliced apples, creating a rich, fragrant dessert with a simpler and quicker preparation.

Quince paste makes the filling easier to work with: it spreads easily, holds its shape during baking and gives the strudel a sweet, intense flavour. Compared with fresh fruit, it also releases less liquid, helping the puff pastry stay drier and crispier.

A simple way to prepare a flavourful dessert in just a few steps, with consistently delicious results.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet of ready-made rectangular puff pastry
  • Lazzaris quince paste, as needed depending on the desired amount of filling
  • 40–50 g raisins
  • 25–30 g pine nuts
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 1 knob of butter
  • cinnamon, to taste
  • grated zest of ½ unwaxed lemon
  • 1 tbsp rum, optional
  • 1 egg for brushing
  • icing sugar to finish

In this recipe, quince paste forms the base of the filling and can be adjusted according to the desired result: use a smaller amount for a more delicate strudel, or be more generous for a richer, more indulgent filling. Before spreading it over the pastry, it can be lightly mashed with a fork to make it softer and easier to spread.

The raisins can be soaked in warm water or in rum for a more aromatic flavour. After soaking, make sure to squeeze them thoroughly to avoid adding excess liquid to the filling.

immagine 1 strudel

Why quince paste replaces apples in this recipe

Quince paste is made by cooking quinces, intensely fragrant fruits with a naturally aromatic flavour. Once cooked and reduced, they become a dense, sweet and luscious preserve that captures the flavour of apples in a richer and more intense form.

Using it in strudel helps speed up preparation: there is no need to slice the apples or cook them beforehand, and there is less risk of the fruit releasing too much water during baking. The filling stays more stable, does not make the puff pastry soggy and makes the strudel easier to slice and serve.

Why use puff pastry (and why ready-made works so well)

Ready-made puff pastry is ideal for preparing a quick strudel without compromising on the final result: it comes ready-rolled, is easy to use and creates a golden, crisp surface with very little effort.

For a more traditional version, you can opt for strudel dough (pasta matta): thin and light, it is often used for classic strudel, although it requires a little more skill and a longer preparation time.

Immagine 3 strudel

Step-by-step method

The main thing to pay attention to is the filling: it should be evenly distributed but not too thick, so the pastry cooks evenly and stays crisp.

  1. Soak the raisins in warm water or rum for at least 15 minutes, then drain and squeeze them thoroughly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180°C using the conventional setting.
  3. In a frying pan, melt a knob of butter, add the breadcrumbs and toast them for a few minutes until lightly golden. This helps absorb moisture from the filling.
  4. Unroll the puff pastry onto a baking tray, keeping it on its baking paper, and spread the toasted breadcrumbs over the centre.
  5. Cut the quince paste into thin slices or lightly mash it with a fork, then spread it evenly over the breadcrumbs.
  6. Add the raisins, pine nuts, a pinch of cinnamon and the grated lemon zest.
  7. Roll the pastry around the filling, using the baking paper to help you and keeping the seam underneath.
  8. Seal the sides well, pressing gently with your fingers or the tines of a fork.
  9. Brush the surface with beaten egg. For an even richer, more golden finish, you can also add a light coating of melted butter.
  10. Make a few decorative slashes on the surface to allow steam to escape during baking.
  11. Bake for around 25–30 minutes, until the strudel is puffed up and golden. Leave it to cool slightly before finishing with icing sugar.

Apple strudel with quince paste can be enjoyed on its own or served with a delicate custard, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Discover Lazzaris Pani Quince Paste, order online and have it delivered straight to your door to create simple, fragrant and delicious desserts.