June 17 Holiday: Apple Strudel Day is celebrated in the U.S.
Every year on June 17, the United States celebrates National Apple Strudel Day. This unofficial culinary holiday is dedicated to one of the world’s most famous desserts. On this day, Americans bake at home, share recipes, and simply enjoy a slice of fragrant strudel with coffee or tea.
June 17 is National Apple Strudel Day in the United States every year. It is not a public holiday, but one of the many culinary celebrations that Americans love. It is dedicated to a dessert that has long been popular far beyond the borders of Europe.
On this day, coffee shops, bakeries, and pastry shops offer visitors a variety of strudel options, while home cooks pull out their tried-and-true recipes and host tea parties at home. Thousands of photos with the hashtag #AppleStrudelDay appear on social media, and baking enthusiasts exchange culinary secrets.
Although the holiday is American, the dessert itself originated in Europe
Although Apple Strudel Day is celebrated in the U.S., the dessert itself has Austrian roots. Many historians call it one of the symbols of Vienna, and in Austria, apple strudel is generally considered the national dish.
The oldest surviving strudel recipe dates back to 1696–1697. The manuscript is still kept in the library of Vienna City Hall. Researchers believe that Middle Eastern traditions influenced the creation of this dessert. In particular, strudel is often compared to Turkish baklava, as both dishes feature thin, multi-layered pastry.
Why Apples?
Apple strudel has become the most popular variety of this pastry. The filling traditionally includes apples, cinnamon, raisins, sugar, nuts, and breadcrumbs. It is the combination of sweet-and-sour apples and spices that has made this dessert famous around the world.
The word “strudel” translates from German as “whirl” or “vortex.” The dessert got its name because of its characteristic rolled shape. “Apple strudel is a dessert that brings together different cultures and generations,” note the authors of National Today.
How the Day Is Celebrated
There are no specific traditions associated with the holiday, but there is one main requirement: there must be apple strudel on the table. In the U.S., people buy the dessert at bakeries, make it at home, and gather with family over a cup of coffee or tea. Some add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to the strudel, or sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Many home cooks choose June 17 as the day to try their hand at making classic Austrian strudel for the first time, since its dough is considered one of the most challenging in baking.
Interesting Facts About Apple Strudel
Professional bakers say that properly prepared dough should be so thin that you can read a newspaper through it. This is exactly how bakers’ skills were once tested.
There are not only sweet strudels but also savory ones. For example, with cabbage, cheese, spinach, or meat. Apple strudel is equally popular both as a dessert and as a morning pastry to go with coffee. In many countries, it is served warm. “A slice of warm strudel with ice cream is one of the best culinary combinations,” write American culinary publications.
Classic Apple Strudel
If you want to celebrate Apple Strudel Day at home, you can use this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry;
- 4 apples;
- 70 grams of raisins;
- 80 grams of sugar;
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon;
- 50 grams of walnuts;
- 30 grams of butter;
- powdered sugar for serving.
Directions:
Cut the apples into small pieces. Add the raisins, cinnamon, sugar, and chopped walnuts. Roll out the dough, spread the filling on top, and carefully roll it up into a log. Brush the top with melted butter. Bake for about 35–40 minutes at 180 degrees. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Quick Strudel in 20 Minutes
For those who don’t want to spend a long time at the stove, there’s an even simpler option.
You’ll need:
- 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry;
- 3 apples;
- 2 tablespoons of honey;
- a pinch of cinnamon;
- a handful of nuts.
Slice the apples, mix them with honey and cinnamon, spread the mixture on the dough, and roll it up. After 20–25 minutes in the oven, this fragrant dessert will be ready.
A Sweet Celebration for the Whole Family
National Apple Strudel Day doesn’t feature grand parades or official ceremonies. Its meaning is much simpler—to spend time with loved ones and enjoy your favorite pastry.
And although the holiday itself originated in the U.S., fragrant apple strudel has long been a dessert known and loved in various corners of the world. And June 17 is yet another reason to revisit old family recipes and treat yourself to something truly delicious.
