Easy-to-Make Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry

Looking for a simple yet impressive dessert? This easy apple strudel combines tender apples, sweet raisins, and flaky puff pastry for a treat that's sure to delight!

Do you need a last-minute dessert idea that everyone will love?!? Here is my recipe for this apple strudel which might be the perfect solution: soft and sweet baked apples and raisins wrapped in extra-crispy, buttery pastry. And it tastes amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This recipe is super fast and easy because it uses frozen puff pastry. With the dough already made, you cannot really go wrong. 

All you have to do is prepare the filling and bake. Just a few ingredients and that's it! 

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a cozy treat, this apple strudel is sure to impress.

Here’s what you need to make this delicious dessert:

Puff pastry: You can buy frozen puff pastry. Remember to defrost it according to the package instructions and roll it out to make it thinner if needed. If you can find it, you can also buy refrigerated and pre-rolled puff pastry. It's faster and easier to use but might be harder to find at the grocery store. 

Apples: Choose firm and slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for the best results. Granny Smith apples are classic for baking because they hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the filling with their tartness. Pink Lady apples are slightly sweeter but still firm, adding a wonderful flavor. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy when baked.

Raisins: Soaked in warm water or rum for added flavor. And remember to squeeze them from the liquid before adding to the apple cubes

Sugar: For this recipe, I'm using brown sugar for a caramel-like sweetness. But you can also substitute with granulated sugar.

Cinnamon: For that warm and classic apple spice flavor. You can add as little or as much as you like!


Breadcrumbs: Spread the puff pastry with breadcrumbs to prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy.

Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and balances the sweetness.

Egg: Beaten, for brushing on the pastry to give it a golden finish. You can also substitute and just use milk.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Apple Strudel

Choose the right apples: Stick to firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady. If you want to mix it up, try combining different varieties for a more complex flavor profile. Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can add a bit of sweetness and texture.

Work with cold pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold to ensure it bakes up light and flaky. If it starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Caramelize the apple juices: Collect any juices released by the apples while preparing the filling and cook them in a small saucepan until they reduce and caramelize. Drizzle this over the filling before sealing the pastry. This adds a deeper, richer flavor to the strudel and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.

Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling to allow the pastry to wrap around it without bursting.

Seal the edges well: Use a bit of beaten egg or water to seal the seams and prevent the filling from leaking out.

Vent the pastry: Make small slits on top of the strudel to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake until golden: The strudel is ready when the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers: Wrap the cooled apple strudel in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until heated through. This will restore the crispiness of the pastry.

This easy apple strudel recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. With a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in no time. So go ahead, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!

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Other easy recipes with puff pastry you might like:

Caramelized Plums and Cream Puff Pastry Pockets
Upside-Down Apple Pastries
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini (cream horns)
Almond Swirl Pastries
Easy to Make Peach Tart
Berry Custard Pastries
Pinwheel Pastries with Berries and Cream Cheese

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD: Easy and Quick Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry