Description
This Easy Apple Strudel delivers flaky puff pastry filled with spiced apple slices for a simple yet stunning dessert. With store-bought puff pastry and a handful of pantry staples, it’s quick to make and perfect for any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp/Fuji recommended)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Pastry & Finish:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp water (or use milk/cream for dairy-free)
Optional Add-ins/Variations:
- ¼ cup chopped toasted nuts
- ¼ cup raisins (soaked in warm water or rum)
- Pear + ginger twist: swap one apple for pear, add ½ tsp ground ginger
- Savory-sweet: 2 tbsp sharp cheddar cheese in filling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss apple slices with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice until well coated.
3. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry and gently roll into a 10×12-inch rectangle, leaving about 2-inch borders on top and bottom and 3-inch on the sides.
4. Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the pastry.
5. Cut 1-inch diagonal strips along each side of the pastry. Fold the top and bottom flaps over the filling.
6. Alternately fold strips over the filling, overlapping slightly to create a braid or lattice effect.
7. Transfer strudel to the prepared baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until pastry is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Let cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold while handling to maintain flakiness.
Flour helps absorb moisture from the apples—don’t skip it.
You can assemble the strudel ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
Freeze unbaked strudel and bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to baking time.
Strudel doesn’t need to look perfect—its rustic appearance adds charm.