Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry with sweet, tender apples and just the right hint of cinnamon and caramel. Whenever I make this, it instantly transports me back to cozy autumn afternoons spent baking with family, and I know you’ll find it just as comforting and delightful.

What makes this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe so worth trying is how quickly it comes together, especially thanks to the store-bought puff pastry. You get all the charm of classic strudel without the fuss of making dough from scratch, which means it’s a fantastic go-to if you want an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic strudel flavor with the ease of puff pastry. When shopping, I always recommend grabbing Granny Smith apples for their tartness and puff pastry made with real butter—they really make a difference.

• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness, and slicing them thin ensures they cook evenly and meld perfectly.
• Caramel topping: Adds a luscious, sticky sweetness that wraps around the apples.
• Ground cinnamon: The warm spice lifts the apple flavor and smells incredible while baking.
• Puff pastry sheet: Must be thawed overnight to ensure it rolls out smoothly and bakes evenly.
• Chopped pecans: Give a nice crunch and nutty contrast in every bite.
• Sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a caramelized, slightly crunchy finish.
• Egg (beaten): Brushed over the dough for a beautiful golden glaze.

Variations

I love customizing this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s so flexible that you can easily swap out nuts, change the fruit, or adjust spices to make it your own.

• Add raisins or dried cranberries: I sometimes toss in a handful for extra chewy texture and fruity sweetness—it pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Use walnuts in place of pecans: I tried this once, and it gave a slightly earthier crunch that my family enjoyed.
• Try different spices: Nutmeg or allspice can add interesting warmth if you want to switch it up from classic cinnamon.
• Make mini strudels: Perfect if you want individual servings for a party or picnic.

How to Make Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Puff Pastry

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples thinly—this helps them soften quickly while cooking. Then, heat a skillet over medium-low heat and toss in the apples, caramel topping, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir occasionally until the apples are tender and coated in that sweet caramel sauce, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Meanwhile, take your puff pastry out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for around 10 minutes so it loosens up and stretches easily without cracking.

Step 2: Assemble Your Strudel

Lay your puff pastry sheet onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Spoon the apple-caramel mixture lengthwise down the center, leaving about half an inch of space around the edges—this is important for sealing the strudel properly. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the apples for that delightful crunch. Then, starting at one of the shorter sides, roll the pastry up over the filling like a jelly roll, and gently pinch the edges together to seal your strudel so nothing oozes out while baking.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches Before Baking

In a small bowl, mix sugar with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweet topping. Brush the entire surface of the rolled pastry with a beaten egg—this creates that gorgeous golden shine. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the top, then use a sharp knife to cut slits about 2 inches apart on the top of the pastry. These slits allow steam to escape and help the strudel puff up beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 425ºF for 10 minutes—you’re looking for the puff pastry to start puffing and turning golden. Right after that, lower the oven temperature to 375ºF and continue baking until it’s a deep golden brown, usually another 10-15 minutes. Watching closely helps avoid over-baking, which can dry out the filling or burn the crust.

How to Serve Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust the baked strudel lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch, plus a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it downright irresistible. Sometimes sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans on top before serving adds a little welcome crunch.

Side Dishes

This strudel pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai, especially in cooler months. For a brunch twist, serving alongside a creamy custard sauce or even a salad with bitter greens contrasts the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the strudel into individual servings and plate each piece with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint. You can also serve mini strudels as charming handheld treats at a party, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine for a rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple strudel in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it the same day. For anything beyond that, refrigerating helps keep the pastry crisp longer. Just be sure to bring it back to room temp or warm it gently before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked apple strudel wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil—it’s such a lifesaver when you want to prep ahead! When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Freezing after baking is okay too, but the texture can be a little less crisp.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop slices into a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes to revive that flaky texture and warm filling. The microwave works in a pinch, but it tends to soften the pastry too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’m so happy to share this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe with you because it’s one of those desserts that feels special yet comes together quickly and easily. Every time I make it, friends and family are amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredible. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a sweet treat that has that homemade feel without all the fuss. Trust me, once you taste the flaky crust and luscious apple filling, it will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!

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