With this easy apple strudel recipeyour can enjoy the authentic taste of German apple strudel in a fraction of time. Using store-bought puff pastry and classic ingredients such as apples, walnuts, and cinnamon, our step-by-step instructions and video tutorial make preparing this quick dessert a breeze.
“I just made my first batch of this strudel; and let me just say, this recipe is a keeper! The biggest problem is to stop eating this once you start!”
DOSSY
My love affair with apple strudel began during a vacation to Bavaria, where I tasted an authentic German apple strudel for the first time. The flavors mesmerized me, but as a busy mom, traditional baking methods were not practical.
This quick and hassle-free easy apple strudel came to life for those who adore simple apple desserts. If you love treats like Apple Brownies or are looking for an alternative to the classic American Deep-Dish Apple Piethen this apple strudel recipe is a must-try. It’s the best blend of flavor and simplicity.
What is Apple Strudel?
Apple strudel, or “Apfelstrudel”, is a sweet pastry made with a thin dough filled with apples, spices, and often nuts. It has its roots in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although closely associated with Vienna, Austria, the strudel was influenced by Ottoman (Turkish) pastries, like baklava.
As its fame grew, various regions of Central and Eastern Europe adopted the strudel, adding their unique twists. Among the many strudel variations, apple strudel remains the most renowned and beloved.
Easy Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry
Creating a traditional apple strudel can be time-consuming, especially when making the homemade pastry dough from scratch. For those craving apple strudel without the extensive effort, this puff pastry apple strudel recipe is a best solution.
This simple recipe is easy to prepare, resulting in a delightful strudel boasting a golden-brown flaky crust and a soft, cinnamon-infused apple filling. It’s among the top favorite dessert recipes on my website.
Check out my Crustless Apple Pie (known as Swedish apple pie) and Apple Brownie Bars for another quick and easy apple dessert ideas
What is Puff Pastry and How to Use it?
Puff pastry is a flaky dough made by alternating layers of butter and dough, then rolling and folding multiple times. This technique, called laminating, produces layers that expand when baked as the butter’s water content turns to steam.
When using puff pastry, especially if it’s store-bought and frozen, make sure it’s well thawed. Roll it on a floured surface, keeping in mind it expands in the oven.
It’s adaptable, suitable for both sweet and savory fillings. For best results, bake at around 400°F (200°C) until golden, then allow to cool slightly for crispness.
For making German apple strudel (Apfelstrudel), puff pastry is ideal. Its airy layers pair well with the tender apple filling, offering a balanced taste and texture.
Recipe Ingredients and Notes
- Apple: For this recipe, opt for baking apples such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Ginger Gold, Gala, Honey Crisp, or Jonagold for the best results
- Store-bought Frozen Puff Pastry: Allow 40-50 minutes for thawing at room temperature.
- Sugars: Both white and brown sugar add complexity to the flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: An essential spice for any apple dessert.
- Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling.
- Breadcrumbs: Absorb apple juice and improve pastry texture.
- Walnuts: Finely or coarsely chopped, based on your preference.
- Egg Wash: Combine one beaten egg with 1-2 teaspoons of water for a golden finish.
How to Make Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry
Step 1. Prepare the Apple Filling
- Chop apples into small pieces (about 1/2-inch) and put them in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of white sugar, flour, cinnamon, and toss well.
- Let the apple sit for 15 minutes to macerate.
Step 2. Prepare the Nut Filling
- Chop walnuts into desired size. Mix walnuts, sugars and breadcrumbs in a small mixing bowl; stir well.
Step 3. Assemble the Strudel with Puff Pastry
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly to about 10×12 inches using a rolling pin.
- Spread half of the nut mixture in the center, leaving a 1-inch border on both sides.
- Layer half of the apple mixture over the nuts.
- Gently fold the front edge of the pastry over the filling.
- Fold the opposite edge over and pinch the sides to seal.
- Carefully place the strudel seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tuck in the ends. Brush with egg wash and create slits with a knife to allow steam to escape.
Step 4. Bake and Serve
- Place the strudel in an oven preheated to 375˚F and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Allow it to cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy while warm.
Serving Suggestions
Apple strudel is commonly served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert. For an added touch of sweetness, a glaze made from icing sugar and milk is perfect.
However, apple strudel is equally delicious on its own, making it an excellent choice for a sweet breakfast.
Freezing Tips
Apple strudel freezes well. If you wish to freeze it, prepare the strudel up to the point of baking, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, you can brush the frozen strudel with egg wash and place it directly in the preheated oven. Do note that you may need to increase the baking time by an extra 10 minutes or longer.
Related Recipes
If you love a sweet treat made with apples, here are some of the dessert recipes you might like.
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Easy Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry
Easy apple strudel recipe using store-bought puff pastry and staples like apples, walnuts, and cinnamon. Perfect for dessert or a sweet breakfast treat!
- 1 package (2 sheets, 1.1 lb or 490 g) frozen puff pastry dough, thawed in room temperature
- 2-3 baking apples, such as Granny Smith
- 4 tbsp white sugar, divided
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (65 g) walnuts, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 beaten egg with 1 tsp water, for brushing
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Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper and set aside.
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To make the apple filling, peel, core, and chop apples into 1/2-inch cubes. You will need total 3 cups (720 ml) of chopped apples. Place them in a bowl and add 2 tablespoon of white sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Toss well and set aside for 15 minutes so the apple can release its juice.
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Meanwhile, combine nuts, brown sugar, the remaining 2 tablespoon of white sugar, and breadcrumbs in another small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
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To assemble the strudel, roll out the thawed puff pastry with a rolling pin on a lightly floured work surface to stretch out a little, about 10×12-inch. Sprinkle half of nut mixture in the center of the pastry leaving 1-inch from both sides. Spoon half of apple mixture on top of nut mixture.
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Lift the front side of pastry and fold over the filling. Lift the opposite side of pastry and fold over. Pinch the sides down to seal. Carefully transfer the strudel to a prepared baking sheet, placing the seam-side down. Tuck both ends under. Repeat the same on the other pastry sheet.
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Brush the strudels with egg wash and make slits for the steam to escape. Bake the strudel in a preheated 375˚F oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Let the pastry cool for 10 minutes.
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Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream.
Calories: 173kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 27mg, Potassium: 126mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 35IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 1mg
