Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (2024)

With this easy apple strudel recipe, your 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.

Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (1)

“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 Pie, then this apple strudel recipe is a must-try. It’s the best blend of flavor and simplicity.

Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (2)

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

Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (3)

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

Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (4)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (5)

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.
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (6)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (7)

Step 2. Prepare the Nut Filling

  • Chop walnuts into desired size. Mix walnuts, sugars and breadcrumbs in a small mixing bowl; stir well.
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (8)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (9)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (10)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (11)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (12)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (13)

Step 3. Assemble the Strudel with Puff Pastry

  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly to about 10×12 inches using a rolling pin.
  2. Spread half of the nut mixture in the center, leaving a 1-inch border on both sides.
  3. Layer half of the apple mixture over the nuts.
  4. Gently fold the front edge of the pastry over the filling.
  5. Fold the opposite edge over and pinch the sides to seal.
  6. 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.
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (14)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (15)

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.

Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (16)

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.

  • Old Fashioned Deep Dish Apple Pie
  • Soft Apple Cookies (Homemade Apple Softies)
  • Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
  • Crustless Apple Pie (No-Crust Swedish Apple Pie)
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (17)

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Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (18)

Easy Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry

Servings: 6 people

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Baking time: 45 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Easy apple strudel recipe using store-bought puff pastry and staples like apples, walnuts, and cinnamon. Perfect for dessert or a sweet breakfast treat!

4.99 from 73 ratings

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Recipe Video

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper and set aside.

  • 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.

  • Meanwhile, combine nuts, brown sugar, the remaining 2 tablespoon of white sugar, and breadcrumbs in another small bowl. Stir well and set aside.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream.

Cuisine: Western

Course: Dessert

Author: Holly Ford

Web Story: https://www.beyondkimchee.com/web-stories/puff-pastry-apple-strudel/

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

Did you make this recipe?Tag @beyondkimchee on Instagram. I love to see your masterpiece.

Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry - Beyond Kimchee (2024)

FAQs

Is strudel made from puff pastry? ›

Apple Strudel Ingredients

Golden raisins: Golden raisins take the flavor and texture up a few notches. Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the apple strudel filling. Puff pastry: Two thawed puff pastry sheets are key to making this easy apple strudel.

Why is my strudel soggy? ›

Chef Jürgen suggests adding the filling ingredients in a single layer after rolling out the dough; mixing the filling together prior to assembly will result in a soggy strudel as the sugar will draw the water out from the apples.

Can apple strudel be frozen? ›

Yes. Strudel can be frozen and kept in the freezer for up to six months.

What's the difference between apple pie and apple strudel? ›

Apple Strudel

Unlike an apple pie, the pastry in a strudel is layered and rolled with the filling, and it's baked on a baking tray rather than a pie dish. The word strudel comes from the German word 'whirlpool' given this name because the rolled layers of pastry mirror the inside of a whirlpool.

What's the difference between strudel and streusel? ›

Easy to confuse due to the similar names, strudel and streusel are actually different types of dessert. An apple strudel has thin sheets of pastry wrapped around the filling, while streusel is a crumbly sweet topping of sugar, flour, and butter that is often layered over pies and cakes.

What's the difference between puff pastry and pastry dough? ›

Puff pastry is a laminated dough that gets its signature airy puff from layers of butter, while phyllo dough is comparatively low-fat. Phyllo dough includes only flour, water, vinegar, and a little oil. The fine sheets of pastry dough result in a crispy, crackly effect when layered and baked.

Why do you put vinegar in strudel dough? ›

Some rely on vinegar to help the dough stretch without springing back. Bread flour gets the thumbs-up in many recipes because its higher gluten content makes the dough more elastic.

How to stop puff pastry from getting a soggy bottom? ›

Blind-bake your base before adding a filling to help to firm the base and avoid liquid being absorbed into it. Prick the base with a fork to help steam escape, cover with foil or parchment, and weigh it down with ceramic baking beans, uncooked rice or white sugar.

How to keep puff pastry from getting soggy? ›

Pastry being soggy in the middle is a result of the pastry being undercooked. Don't place the pastry on too high a shelf in the oven. One way to prevent soggy bottom pastry is to blind bake the pastry – This means partially or completely bake the pastry before adding the filling. Also, avoid over-filling your pastry.

What pastry is apple strudel made from? ›

What pastry is apple strudel made from? Traditionally the dessert is made using soft 'strudel dough', which is hand-stretched into paper-thin sheets. But for our version, we've made things simpler by using shop-bought filo pastry, as it's most similar in consistency.

Does apple strudel need to be refrigerated? ›

You can store it, covered with foil or plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for an additional 2-3 days. Try to keep it stored on the bottom shelf where it's the coldest – baked strudel gets soggy as time goes on.

Can you reheat cooked apple strudel? ›

The Apple Strudel will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat until crisp and hot. Alternatively, freeze the strudel, whole or in slices, for up to a month. Allow to defrost if frozen and reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes until hot.

What is German apple strudel made of? ›

Apple strudel consists of an oblong strudel pastry jacket with an apple filling inside. The filling is made of grated cooking apples (usually of a tart, crisp and aromatic variety, such as Winesap apples) sugar, cinnamon, and bread crumbs. Strudel uses an unleavened dough.

What is a French strudel? ›

Strudels filled with soft cheese, sour cherries and poppy seeds were all popular at the time. The pastry, defined by its rolled-up shape (strudel translates as 'whirlpool'), can also be filled with meat or vegetables. It is said to derive from Turkey's baklava, which entered Austria during the Ottoman occupation.

What is the most popular strudel? ›

In these countries, apple strudel is the most widely known. Apple strudel is considered to be the national dish of Austria, and is the official state pastry of Texas. The Viennese are the ones who made this dish famous with their delicate, thin layers of dough and sweet, tart apple filling.

What pastry is strudel made from? ›

What pastry is apple strudel made from? Traditionally the dessert is made using soft 'strudel dough', which is hand-stretched into paper-thin sheets. But for our version, we've made things simpler by using shop-bought filo pastry, as it's most similar in consistency.

What dough is strudel made from? ›

Like Phyllo Dough, this requires a little elbow grease; most strudel recipes call for store- bought phyllo or puff pastry, which both work interchangeably with this dough for any strudel recipe.

What is strudel made of? ›

The filling is made of grated cooking apples (usually of a tart, crisp and aromatic variety, such as Winesap apples) sugar, cinnamon, and bread crumbs. Strudel uses an unleavened dough. The basic dough consists of flour, oil (or butter) and salt although as a household recipe, many variations exist.

What is German strudel made of? ›

It is made from flour with a high gluten content, water, oil and salt, with no sugar added. The dough is worked vigorously, rested, and then rolled out and stretched by hand very thinly with the help of a clean linen tea towel or kitchen paper. There are numerous techniques for manually pulling strudel dough.

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