Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your strudels bake evenly and achieve a perfectly crisp texture.
Gather your ingredients and start by peeling and dicing the apples into bite-sized pieces. Chop the walnuts finely to ensure they mix well with the apple filling.
In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and caramelize. Next, add the raisins and chopped walnuts to the skillet, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Lay a single sheet of filo dough on a clean, dry surface. Lightly brush it with oil (or melted butter) using a pastry brush. Place another sheet of filo on top and repeat the brushing process. For each strudel, stack 2-3 sheets of filo in this way. Once stacked, cut the stacked sheets in half to create two rectangles, setting them aside for filling.
Begin by spreading about 1 tablespoon of homemade apple jam (or your preferred flavor) in a line down the center of each filo rectangle. Then, spoon a generous amount of the caramelized apple mixture onto one end of the filo, using approximately 1 heaping tablespoon. Carefully fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the filled end, forming a log. Ensure the ends are sealed by folding them under the strudel.
Transfer the rolled strudel to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden-brown color during baking. For added texture and crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each strudel.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the strudels are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t brown too quickly.
Once baked to perfection, remove the strudels from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This will help them set a bit, making them easier to slice.
Just before serving, dust the mini apple strudels with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Serve warm with a luscious scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side. For a festive look, sprinkle a hint of cinnamon on top of the yogurt before serving. This combination will create a delightful and satisfying experience, perfect for any fall gathering!