We’ve always loved Apple Kugel for its comforting blend of sweet apples and warm spices making it a kosher favorite that brings families together. This classic dish hails from Ashkenazi Jewish traditions where it’s often served during holidays like Rosh Hashanah to symbolize a sweet new year.
Our Apple Kugel recipe keeps things simple yet delicious ensuring it’s easy to prepare while staying true to kosher guidelines. With fresh ingredients and a touch of nostalgia we’ll guide you through creating this timeless treat in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Building on our exploration of Apple Kugel as a cherished kosher staple rooted in Ashkenazi traditions, we now outline the essential ingredients for this simple yet flavorful recipe. These components blend sweet apples with warm spices to deliver a comforting dish ideal for holidays like Rosh Hashanah.
To prepare our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher, gather the following ingredients in the order they are typically used during assembly. We’ve noted any prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Egg noodles: 12 ounces, uncooked and wide for the base structure – cook them al dente before mixing.
- Apples: 4 large, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced to ensure even baking and a tender texture.
- Eggs: 4 large, beaten to bind the mixture and add richness while keeping it kosher.
- Sugar: 1 cup granulated, for sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground, to infuse warm, aromatic notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Butter or margarine: ½ cup, melted (use pareve margarine for strict kosher adherence) to provide moisture and a golden crust.
- Raisins: ½ cup, optional but recommended for added texture and subtle sweetness – plump them in warm water if dried.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to season and elevate the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure and kosher-certified, to add a hint of depth as you combine wet ingredients.
This selection ensures our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher remains authentic, using straightforward measurements for consistent results every time.
Required Equipment
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients for this Apple Kugel recipe, we turn our attention to the essential tools that will help us prepare this kosher delight efficiently and safely. Having the right equipment ensures our steps flow smoothly from mixing to baking, allowing us to create a perfectly textured dish every time.
To make our Apple Kugel, we recommend the following key items. We’ve organized them into a simple list below, highlighting must-haves in bold for emphasis:
- Large pot: For boiling the uncooked wide egg noodles to al dente perfection, ensuring they hold up well in the kugel.
- Mixing bowl (medium-sized): Ideal for combining beaten eggs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon into a smooth batter.
- Baking dish (9×13 inch, oven-safe): A rectangular baking dish works best for even cooking and that golden, crispy top on our Apple Kugel.
- Knife and cutting board: Use a sharp chef’s knife to peel and slice firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp into uniform pieces for consistent flavor distribution.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of ingredients such as melted butter or pareve margarine and pure vanilla extract to maintain the recipe’s balance.
- Whisk or wooden spoon: For stirring the mixture thoroughly, incorporating optional raisins and salt without overworking the batter.
- Oven thermometer: Helps verify that our oven is at the precise temperature for baking, guaranteeing a moist and flavorful result.
- Cooling rack: Allows the baked kugel to rest and set properly after coming out of the oven, enhancing its comforting texture.
With these tools in hand, we’re fully equipped to move forward and execute our Apple Kugel recipe with confidence and ease.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s walk through the steps to create our delicious Apple Kugel. We will make this kosher favorite step by step ensuring a flavorful result that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prepare the Apples
First, we peel and core 4 medium firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp using our knife and cutting board. Slice them into thin even pieces about 1/4 inch thick to achieve a tender texture that melts in your mouth. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a sweet spicy coating that enhances the natural tartness. If desired, stir in 1/2 cup of optional raisins to add chewy bursts of flavor and a touch of tradition. This step infuses the apples with warmth allowing their juices to blend seamlessly for that signature comforting aroma.
Mix the Batter
Begin by boiling 8 ounces of uncooked wide egg noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente about 7-8 minutes then drain and set aside. In the same medium mixing bowl we used for the apples, whisk together 3 beaten large eggs, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooked noodles along with 1/4 cup of melted butter or pareve margarine creating a rich glossy batter that clings perfectly to the ingredients. The mixture should have a slightly sweet scent with hints of vanilla promising a moist and irresistible final dish.
Assemble the Kugel
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of the melted butter or pareve margarine to prevent sticking. Layer half of our prepared apple mixture at the bottom for a juicy base then evenly spread the noodle batter over it forming a unified blend. Top with the remaining apples arranging them in a decorative pattern for visual appeal. This assembly creates layers of texture and flavor where the apples’ crispness contrasts with the soft noodles ensuring every bite is a harmonious mix of sweet and spiced notes.
Bake
Preheat our oven to 350°F using the oven thermometer for accuracy. Place the assembled baking dish in the center rack and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean indicating it’s fully set. As it bakes the kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of warm cinnamon and baked apples signaling a perfectly done Apple Kugel that’s ready to cool on the rack for 10 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Apple Kugel recipe is its flexibility for advance preparation, allowing us to savor its warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma and tender apple layers without last-minute rushes. This approach ensures the dish retains its comforting sweetness and golden-brown crust, perfect for kosher holiday gatherings like Rosh Hashanah.
Preparing in Advance
We recommend these straightforward steps to prepare Apple Kugel ahead of time, maintaining its authentic flavors and textures:
- Assemble the kugel early: Once we’ve layered the apple mixture and noodle batter in the greased baking dish as outlined in our preparation instructions, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
- Refrigerate for short-term storage: If baking within 24 hours, place the assembled dish in the refrigerator. This lets the flavors meld, enhancing the sweet-tart apple notes and subtle vanilla undertones for a more harmonious bite.
- Freeze for longer storage: For up to two months of make-ahead convenience, wrap the unbaked kugel securely in freezer-safe material. Freezing preserves the fresh crunch of the apples and the creamy noodle base, ensuring a just-baked feel when we’re ready to cook.
Baking from Make-Ahead State
When it’s time to bake our Apple Kugel, follow these adjusted guidelines for optimal results:
- Thaw if frozen: Transfer the frozen dish to the refrigerator overnight to thaw completely, preventing uneven cooking and preserving the dish’s moist interior.
- Bake as directed: Preheat the oven to 350°F and remove any wrappings. Bake the thawed kugel for 45-50 minutes or until it turns golden brown and bubbles with a fragrant, spiced steam that fills the kitchen.
- Adjust for refrigerated kugel: If straight from the fridge, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to achieve that irresistible crispy top and soft, apple-infused center.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep our Apple Kugel at its best, we use the following storage durations and methods—summarized in the table below for quick reference:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container; reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore warmth and aroma without sogginess. |
| Freezing (baked) | Up to 2 months | Cool completely before freezing; wrap in layers of foil and plastic for protection, then reheat from frozen at 350°F for 30-40 minutes. |
| Freezing (unbaked) | Up to 2 months | Thaw in the fridge first; bake as per original instructions for fresh-baked results. |
By following these steps, we ensure our Apple Kugel remains a delightful, make-ahead staple that delivers consistent kosher excellence.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our take on this classic Apple Kugel recipe that’s both kosher and heartwarming. It’s more than just a dish—it’s a way to connect with traditions and create sweet memories at your table.
As you try it out we’ll bet it’ll become a staple in your holiday lineup. Experiment with flavors that suit your family and enjoy the simple joy it brings us all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apple Kugel?
Apple Kugel is a comforting kosher dish from Ashkenazi Jewish traditions, featuring sweet apples, warm spices, and egg noodles. It’s popular for holidays like Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing a sweet new year, and offers a simple, nostalgic treat for family gatherings.
What are the key ingredients for Apple Kugel?
The main ingredients include uncooked wide egg noodles, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, beaten eggs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter or pareve margarine, optional raisins, salt, and pure vanilla extract. These ensure an authentic, flavorful kosher recipe that’s easy to prepare.
What equipment is needed to make Apple Kugel?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling noodles, a medium mixing bowl, a 9×13 inch baking dish, a knife and cutting board for apples, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or wooden spoon, an oven thermometer, and a cooling rack. These tools help ensure safe and efficient preparation.
How do you prepare Apple Kugel?
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing apples, then toss with sugar and cinnamon. Boil noodles, mix with eggs, sugar, vanilla, and melted butter. Layer the apple mixture and noodle batter in a greased baking dish, then bake at 350°F until golden brown. Let it cool before serving for the best texture.
Can Apple Kugel be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble Apple Kugel in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge if frozen, then bake as directed. This make-ahead option enhances flavors and makes it ideal for holidays, maintaining its kosher quality.
How should I store and reheat Apple Kugel?
Store baked Apple Kugel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or use the microwave for smaller portions to keep it moist and flavorful.