Apple Strudel

This homemade apple strudel is so easy to make! Using puff pastry for simplicity, it’s a cinch to create layers of flaky goodness wrapped around a delightful apple filling. Embrace the flavors of fall in every bite!

Puff Pastry Apple Strudel

I’m so excited to share this simple apple strudel recipe with you! While making strudel completely from scratch is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, using store-bought puff pastry makes it so, so simple.

You’ll be instantly smitten with this apple strudel recipe made effortlessly with puff pastry. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a shortcut to apple strudel heaven that won’t skimp on flavor or texture!

Below, I’ll walk you through the simple steps of creating your very own apple strudel using the magic of puff pastry. It’s a recipe that celebrates the season and the joy of baking without the need for complex dough-making techniques. You’ll want to give this recipe a permanent spot in your fall baking rotation!

What is a Strudel?

A strudel is simply the name for a thin pastry rolled around a filling and baked. It’s been around for centuries, usually being attributed to German and Austrian cuisine. Traditionally, it’s made with a strudel dough that’s rolled or stretched very thinly to create layers that bake into a flaky outer crust. As with most recipes, strudel has evolved over the years, and there are many regional and cultural variations.

What You’ll Need

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions. Here are some notes about the ingredients you’ll need to make your apple strudel.

• Unsalted butter
• Apples – Peel and thinly slice these. Granny Smith apples are a good choice, as are Gala, Pink Lady, or Fuji. Use your favorite baking apples or read through The Best Apples for Baking for some other options.
• Brown sugar – I recommend light brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
• Cinnamon – If your cinnamon has been in the cabinet for a while, give it a sniff to make sure it still has a strong aroma.
• Nutmeg – Much like the cinnamon, make sure yours is still aromatic and flavorful.
• Puff pastry – Look for this in the frozen desserts section of your supermarket. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
• Egg – You’ll use a bit of beaten egg as an egg wash to help the pastries brown nicely.
• Confectioners’ sugar – This is also called powdered sugar. You’ll be using it to make the glaze for the finished strudel.
• Milk – Most any kind of milk will work to combine with the sugar to make the glaze.

How to Make Apple Strudel

This is a wonderfully easy recipe to make. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

• Prepare for baking. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• Cook the apples. Melt the butter in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the melted butter, and continue cooking and stirring until the apples begin to soften. This should take 5 to 7 minutes.

• Prepare the puff pastry. Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to flatten out the creases. Cut off the top two corners of each sheet, and then cut 8 to 10 1-inch slanted strips on each side. Finally, cut off the bottom two strips of each sheet.

• Assemble the strudel. Spread half of the apple filling down the center of each prepared sheet of puff pastry. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look. Then fold in the ends, and gently press to seal.

• Apply the egg wash. Carefully transfer the pastries to the prepared pan. Brush the beaten egg over each pastry. You may not use all of the egg.
• Bake. Place the pan in the heated oven, and bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the pastries on the pan on a wire rack while you make the glaze.
• Make the glaze. Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth, and then drizzle over the pastries before serving.

Ideas for Variations

Try using a different blend of spices, like my fall spice blend. Just keep the total amount about the same. You can also substitute pears for the apples or use a combination. For a little different texture, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or raisins (or other dried fruit) on top of the apple mixture when assembling the pastries.

Serving Suggestions

This apple strudel is delicious just as it is or with the simple glaze in the recipe. Serve it plain or glazed for a sweet treat for breakfast or your coffee break. Or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert.

How to Store

This apple strudel will be best the day it’s made. If you need to store it, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat in a low temperature oven or in the microwave.

Can This Strudel Be Frozen?

Again, the strudel will be at its best the day it’s baked. If you want to freeze it, be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and place in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

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