# What You'll Need:
→ Apple Filling
01 - 6 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, thinly sliced)
02 - 1/2 cup raisins
03 - 2 tbsp dark rum (optional, substitute apple juice)
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or toasted slivered almonds
07 - 1 tsp lemon zest
08 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
→ Breadcrumbs
09 - 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
→ Phyllo Pastry
11 - 6 sheets phyllo dough (thawed)
12 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
13 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
→ Vanilla Sauce
14 - 2 cups whole milk
15 - 1/2 vanilla bean (split, seeds scraped) or 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
16 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
17 - 2 large egg yolks
18 - 2 tsp cornstarch
19 - Pinch of salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place raisins in a small bowl, soak with rum or apple juice for 10 minutes, then drain.
03 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat, add breadcrumbs, and toast until golden. Set aside to cool.
04 - In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, soaked raisins, sugar, cinnamon, nuts, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly mixed.
05 - Lay one phyllo sheet on a clean kitchen towel and brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat layering and brushing each of the remaining sheets.
06 - Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs evenly 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.
08 - Using the towel, gently roll the phyllo over the filling, tucking in edges carefully. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet and brush with remaining butter.
09 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
10 - Heat milk with vanilla bean or extract in a saucepan until steaming. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk hot milk into yolk mixture. Return to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Strain if desired.
11 - Slice strudel and serve warm with homemade vanilla sauce.
