Easy Cinnamon Apple Kugel Recipe
Savor this delicious cinnamon apple kugel, a delightful blend of tender apples, al dente noodles, and a harmonious mix of spices. This comforting dish, crowned with a golden cinnamon-infused topping, is a warm invitation to the rich flavors of the season, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings or cozy family meals. This easy recipe is a sweeter version of traditional kugel, which always is a huge hit.
This easy apple kugel recipe, a cherished family tradition, is a sweet testament to the rich culinary heritage of Jewish families. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the main course during the Jewish New Year or other family gatherings, this sweet apple noodle pudding is sure to be a huge hit. Make it your own by experimenting with different types of apples or add other dried fruits like golden raisins, and savor the sweetness and nostalgia in every bite. Once you try this apple noodle kugel recipe, you will surely want to add it to your holiday repertoire.
Please note that if you do use butter, this becomes a dairy dish. Some of my friends prefer to use margarine so it is Parve or dairy-free. If you are Kosher, use butter only if you will be serving a dairy meal.
The comforting aroma of a delicious cinnamon apple noodle kugel wafting through the kitchen is perfect for fall and for holidays like Rosh Hashanah. Passed down through generations, this family recipe combines the sweetness of tart apples and the warmth of cinnamon to create a mouthwatering sweet kugel that’s a perfect addition to any holiday meal.
Easy Apple Kugel Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Kugel:
- 8 cups shredded apples (about 6-8 medium-sized apples, use a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 4 cups wide egg noodles
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar (I use granulated)
- 1/4 cup unsalted margarine or butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- Cooking spray to grease the baking dish
For the Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
- Cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and then add the 1/2 cup of sugar, melted butter or margarine, vegetable oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the shredded apples and cooked noodles to the egg mixture. If you’re using raisins, add them at this stage as well. Gently fold everything together until the apples and noodles are coated evenly with the mixture.
- Transfer the apple and noodle mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the optional topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the kugel.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake kugel in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the kugel is golden brown on top, and the apples are tender.
- Once done, remove the kugel from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Slice the Apple Kugel into squares or rectangles and serve as a side dish or dessert.
Please let me know if you make this recipe and whether you agree with me that it is the best noddle kugel!
Cinnamon Apple Kugel
Ingredients
- For the Kugel:
- 8 cups shredded apples (about 6-8 medium-sized apples, use a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 4 cups wide egg noodles
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the baking dish
- For the Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
- Cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then add the granulated sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the shredded apples and cooked noodles to the egg mixture. If you're using raisins, add them at this stage as well. Gently fold everything together until the apples and noodles are coated evenly with the mixture.
- Transfer the apple and noodle mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the optional topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the kugel.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the kugel is golden brown on top, and the apples are tender.
- Once done, remove the kugel from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Slice the Apple Kugel into squares or rectangles and serve as a side dish or dessert. Enjoy!
What to serve with apple kugel
Apple kugel pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your holiday or family meal.
Here are some delicious options to serve alongside apple kugel:
- Gefilte Fish: this easy side dish goes well with other traditional Ashkenazi dishes, like gefilte fish.
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: The savory flavors of roast chicken or turkey complement this sweet dish, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
- Brisket: A classic choice for Jewish holidays, brisket’s rich and savory profile contrasts nicely with the sweet notes of the apple kugel.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, provide a savory and nutritious balance to the sweetness of the kugel.
- Green Salad: A crisp and refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can serve as a palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the kugel.
- Applesauce: Double down on the apple flavor by serving a side of applesauce. The contrast in textures between the kugel and the applesauce can be delightful.
- Smoked Salmon: For a brunch or lighter meal, consider serving smoked salmon with cream cheese and bagels. The smokiness of the salmon complements the sweetness of the kugel.
- Matzo Ball Soup: If you’re celebrating during Passover, a comforting bowl of matzo ball soup makes for a traditional and satisfying accompaniment.
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can be a simple yet effective addition, providing a bit of tanginess to balance the sweetness of the kugel.
Remember, the key is to create a balanced and harmonious meal, taking into consideration both flavors and textures. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your personal preferences and the occasion.