Sweet Cabbage Strudel with Raisins and Brown Sugar
Picture this: the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen, as golden layers of phyllo pastry enclose a sweet, slightly caramelized filling of tender cabbage, plump raisins, and rich brown sugar. With every slice, the contrasting textures of the crisp exterior and soft, flavorful interior create a delightful experience for the senses. This is not just any dish; it’s a nostalgic journey back to a cozy home where comfort food reigns supreme. I still remember the excitement in my grandmother’s kitchen every Sunday, as she dusted powdered sugar over her freshly baked strudel, and served it up with a smile that said, “this is made with love.”
Table of Contents
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a slice of **Sweet Cabbage Strudel with Raisins and Brown Sugar**. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual snack, this recipe beautifully marries sweet and savory, making it an ideal treat for any gathering. So let’s roll up our sleeves and create a dish that will warm your heart and please your palate. Ready to bake this deliciousness? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in under an hour!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet raisins, rich brown sugar, and the subtle spice of cinnamon creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its golden, flaky pastry is sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack, or as a cozy dessert after dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free with the right phyllo dough and can be made vegan with plant-based butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted Butter: This rich option enhances flavor and helps brown the pastry. It’s best for keeping the filling moist.
- Green Cabbage: Finely shredded, this is the star ingredient of our filling, adding essential nutrients and flavor. Feel free to substitute with red cabbage for a pop of color!
- Salt: A little salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that complement the sweetness beautifully; consider using fresh ground cinnamon for a stronger flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well; dark brown will impart a deeper flavor.
- Raisins: These plump gems add a delightful sweetness. Swap for dried cranberries or currants if you prefer.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavors; try to avoid imitation extracts for the best taste.
- Phyllo Dough: This thin pastry is essential for achieving the crisp outer layer; thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Powdered Sugar: Optional for dusting; it adds a lovely finishing touch that makes the strudel even more enticing.
How to Make Sweet Cabbage Strudel with Raisins and Brown Sugar
Cook the Cabbage Filling: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fragrant. Add the finely shredded cabbage and half a teaspoon of salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cabbage softens and starts to turn golden. Then, mix in the cinnamon, brown sugar, and raisins, continuing to cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until everything is sticky yet not wet. Once it’s beautifully caramelized, remove from heat, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and set aside to cool completely. You can speed this along by spreading the filling on a tray!
Preheat and Prepare: While your filling cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. Lay out a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel on your countertop. This will help manage the phyllo dough as you roll the strudel.
Assemble the Strudel: Carefully unroll the phyllo dough, placing one sheet flat on the towel. Brush it lightly with melted butter, then layer 5 to 6 more sheets, brushing each with butter as you go. Once stacked, spoon the cooled cabbage filling in a log shape along one long edge of the dough, leaving about an inch border on the sides. With the aid of the towel, gently roll the dough over the filling while tucking in the sides to secure it. Place the rolled strudel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with additional melted butter.
Bake Until Golden: Slide the strudel into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and wonderfully crisp. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen is filled with an enticing aroma! Once baked, allow it to cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing carefully into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces. If you’re feeling fancy, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for that perfect finishing touch!
Storing & Reheating
To store your strudel, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for about a day. If refrigerating, enjoy it within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped separately to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To refresh a chilled or frozen strudel, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Bear in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but a little crisping in the oven will do wonders!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid tearing the phyllo dough by working quickly and keeping it covered with a damp towel while you assemble.
- Ensure your cabbage filling cools completely before sealing it in the dough to prevent sogginess.
- If you want to add an extra crunch, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the filling.
- Feel free to customize your spices – a touch of nutmeg or cardamom can add an intriguing twist.
- Make it ahead of time! You can prep the filling and roll the strudel a day before baking for time-saving ease.
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re about to enjoy a delightful dish that marries the sweetness of raisins and brown sugar with the comforting embrace of cabbage. **Sweet Cabbage Strudel with Raisins and Brown Sugar** is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to bring warmth and joy into your kitchen. As you create this comforting treat, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. After all, the best recipes come from the heart. Happy baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this strudel ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and roll the strudel a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven directly from the fridge; it may need an extra few minutes to bake through.
What can I use instead of phyllo dough?
If phyllo dough isn’t available, you can use puff pastry for a similar crispy texture. Make sure to roll it out a little if it’s too thick and brush it with butter in the same way as you would with phyllo.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Certainly! Diced apples or pears would pair beautifully with the cabbage. They add an additional layer of sweetness and juiciness. Just remember to adjust the sugar if your fruits are especially sweet!
How do I know when the strudel is done baking?
Look for a deep golden-brown color on the pastry. It should feel crisp when you gently tap the surface, and you’ll know your strudel is perfectly baked when it smells heavenly and is golden all over. Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas it brings!
More Breakfast Recipes
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
- Stained Glass Cookies
- Healthy High Protein Meal Prep
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
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📖 Recipe Card
Sweet Cabbage Strudel with Raisins and Brown Sugar
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
This Sweet Cabbage Strudel blends crisp phyllo pastry with a sweet filling of cabbage, raisins, and brown sugar, offering a comforting treat perfect for any gathering. A delightful combination of flavors that is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6–8 sheets phyllo dough
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet and cook cabbage until softened.
- Stir in salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and raisins; cook until caramelized.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Unroll phyllo dough, layer with butter, and place the filling along one edge.
- Roll the phyllo dough over the filling and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
Cool the filling completely before using to prevent sogginess.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free phyllo dough.
Sprinkle chopped nuts into the filling for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
