Description
A dense, custardy, and noodle-heavy apple kugel that is perfect for Rosh Hashanah. This traditional dessert features tender egg noodles, tart Granny Smith apples, and a rich cinnamon-honey custard, offering a comforting and festive treat that is easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 pound wide egg noodles
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4–5 medium Granny Smith apples (about 1.5 kg)
- ½ cup honey
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional Crumble Topping: ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup cold butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles until al dente (slightly firm). Drain well, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and drain again.
- Peel and core the apples. Slice half into thin half-moons and grate the other half. Toss with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, honey, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add the drained noodles and prepared apples to the custard mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. If using, sprinkle crumble topping over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still jiggles slightly.
- Let the kugel cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting to allow the custard to set. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with extra honey.
Notes
Do not overcook the noodles; they should be slightly firm as they will continue cooking in the oven. Grating half the apples helps thicken the custard naturally. Let the kugel rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting to ensure it holds its shape. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free egg noodles. For dairy-free, substitute with vegan butter and coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Rosh Hashanah dessert, apple kugel, sweet apple kugel, holiday dessert, traditional kugel, make-ahead dessert, Jewish cooking