It’s still hard to believe that one of my favorite movies of all time, The Sound of Music, is now considered Disney property. Although it’s been a few years since Disney acquired Fox and its library of entertainment, I love being able to watch the classic film from Disney+. Today is The Sound of Music annual sing-a-long event at the Hollywood Bowl, and I figured I would share one of the desserts I always make for this joyous occasion, either at the Bowl or at home: Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel. I’ll show you how I celebrate The Sound of Music and then give you directions to make a delicious strudel to enjoy while watching the movie!

The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long

I seem to have been born in a Golden age because my birthday lies right in the middle of the release of my two favorite movies, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. Both movies were nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture (and The Sound of Music won it!)  for Best Picture and each starred Julie Andrews. For the last 14 years, I have attended The Sound of Music sing-a-long at The Hollywood Bowl. It is a popular event that sells out every year!

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

When I first started going to the sing-a-long, I began with seats on the benches. Then, I moved into the Terrace boxes. And in 2019, reserved 6 Garden boxes for myself and 23 friends who are also big fans of the movie.

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack 

The pre-movie show was hosted by actress Melissa Peterman. She welcomed the audience and then hosted the costume parade of fans. You can expect to see some recreations of characters from the movie, and even some obscure references to the film. Some of my favorites have been a man dressed as a giant dining room chair— complete with a pine cone— and siblings dressed as car parts the Sisters pulled from the Nazis’ cars. 

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

Everyone is provided a prop bag filled with items to use during the movie. Melissa explains how and when to use them, in addition to appropriate responses for different characters when they are on screen. We cheer for Maria and the Captain, boo the Baroness, and bark like a dog when reciting Rolf’s name. The most goosebump-inducing moment is during “Edelweiss” when the entire audience turns on their cell phone lights and sway to the Captain, Liesel and Maria singing. “Edelweiss” also happens to be the first song I sang to my children after they were born and the last song I sang to my mother right before she died.

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

To make the evening even more fun for my friends, I decorate each box with white tablecloths and runners that I made out of fabric that looks like the curtains/children’s play clothes, I make floral arrangements in silver vases, serve Pink Sparkling Lemonade in saucer glasses that mimic the pink lemonade and champagne that they drink in the movie. I have little stuffed goats for people to take home and I make 3 different types of desserts, Edelweiss cupcakes, flourless chocolate cake or brownies with Friedrich’s Berries, and Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel. They are all wrapped up in brown paper boxes tied up with string. The water bottles even have labels that say “Raindrops on Roses.” Truly a collection of my favorite things!

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

I have also hosted sing-a-longs at my house for my friends that were unable to attend the Hollywood Bowl. I set my backyard movie equipment up on our driveway and create banquet tables just like I do at the Hollywood Bowl. I hold a costume contest and give out bouquets of flowers to the winners just like during the singing festival in the movie. I also reproduce the prop bags for every guest. For intermission, I have all the desserts in boxes (tied up with string!) and a coffee/hot chocolate bar for a little pick-me-up. Guests bring their own meals to eat under the stars and everyone sings at the top of their lungs. It’s really such a fun time!

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

To help you have your own sing-a-long Sound of Music, I thought I would share my apple strudel recipe, or rather, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel!

, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

The Sound of Music – Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup raisins (I like to use Golden)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups coarsely chopped peeled apples
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 8 sheets phyllo dough (14×9-inch size)
  • Confectioners’ sugar, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place raisins, water and extract in a large microwave-safe bowl; microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain. Add apples, 1/3 cup sugar, flour and cinnamon; toss to combine.
    , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack
    , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack
    , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack
  2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter and oil; remove 2 teaspoons mixture for brushing top. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface; brush lightly with some of the butter mixture. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Layer with 7 additional phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with some of the butter mixture. Spread apple mixture over phyllo to within 2 in. of 1 long side.
    , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack
    , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack
  3. Fold the short edges over filling. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting from the side with a 2-in. border. Transfer to a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush with reserved butter mixture; sprinkle with remaining sugar. With a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits in top of strudel.
    , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack
  4. Bake until golden brown, 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
    , Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

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, Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel Recipe – A Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Snack

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Let’s Hear From You

Any Sound of Music fans in the house? Let me hear from you! Excited to see if any of you make Uncle Max’s Apple Strudel.  

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Donna Dark Collins
Donna Dark Collins
Donna has been a guest at the Disney Parks for over 50 years and her love of Disney runs deep. She loves to bake, decorate her home and create memories with her hubby of 26 years and her 3 kids. You'll frequently find Donna sharing photos, recipes, crafts and videos on the MiceChat Facebook Group, where she is also a moderator!