National Apple Strudel Day (June 17)
National Apple Strudel Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in layers of flaky pastry filled with spiced apples.
Whether you bake it from scratch or grab a slice from your favorite bakery, this day is all about enjoying one of Europe’s most iconic desserts.
Sweet, warm, and satisfying, apple strudel is a celebration of comfort food at its best. One of the many weird holidays in June that’s worth savoring.
When is the Holiday?
National Apple Strudel Day is celebrated on June 17th each year.
Who Invented It?
There’s no clear founder behind the holiday. Like many food holidays, it likely began as a grassroots celebration, perhaps started by pastry lovers or promoted informally through bakeries and blogs. Its appeal has grown simply because apple strudel is universally loved.
The History of the Holiday
Apple strudel, or Apfelstrudel, traces back to the 17th century in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Influenced by Turkish baklava, the strudel’s signature paper-thin dough and rolled structure became part of Viennese cuisine during the 18th century.
It quickly gained popularity among the aristocracy and eventually across Central Europe.
With each region adding its own twist, the apple version remained the most beloved and is still recognized globally as a symbol of Austrian culinary heritage.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- “Strudel” means “whirlpool” in German, referring to the pastry’s rolled shape.
- Traditional strudel dough is so thin it’s said you can read a newspaper through it.
- The first known strudel recipe was handwritten in 1696 and still exists today in Vienna.
- Apple strudel was a favorite in the Habsburg court, making it truly a dessert of royalty.
- It’s commonly served with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or warm vanilla sauce.
Activities to Celebrate
Bake your own: Try stretching strudel dough from scratch or use phyllo for a shortcut.
Strudel tasting: Host a tasting party and compare classic, vegan, and regional takes.
Support local: Visit a bakery that makes European-style pastries and grab a slice.
Cultural deep dive: Watch a documentary or cooking show about Austrian desserts.
Share online: Post your apple strudel creations or bakery finds using #NationalAppleStrudelDay.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
Easy Homemade German Apple Strudel – Great from-scratch recipe with classic flavor.
Mini Vegan Apple Strudels – Perfect for plant-based eaters and individual portions.
How to Make Strudel Dough – A detailed guide to stretching real strudel pastry.
Vegan Apple Strudel from Scratch – A dairy-free take with traditional flair.
Pie Crust Apple Strudel – Uses pie dough for an easier twist.
Campfire Apple Pie Packets – Strudel-inspired foil desserts, ideal for outdoor cooking.
Apple Strudel with Phyllo – Crisp and flaky using store-bought phyllo sheets.
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Links to Resources
Apple Life Cycle Worksheet – A simple printable activity that walks kids through the stages of an apple’s growth
Parts of an Apple Worksheet – Great for early learners, this printable breaks down apple anatomy in a visual and engaging way.
Apple Slicer Tool – This stainless steel 8-slice apple corer makes prepping apples for strudel quick and easy.
The Strudel Man’s History of Strudel – A passionate deep dive into strudel history, culture, and preparation methods.
Related Holidays
- Apple Gifting Day (January 1) celebrates the simple tradition of sharing apples, making it a sweet seasonal cousin to apple-filled desserts like strudel.
- National Donut Day (1st Friday in June) offers another excuse to indulge in baked (or fried) treats—perfect for pastry lovers of all kinds.
- National Banana Split Day (August 25) invites you to enjoy another classic dessert layered with fruit, just like a good apple strudel.
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