Flaky, Fruity Apple Strudel
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Light, flaky, and packed with cinnamon-kissed apples, this apple strudel disappears faster than you can slice it!
Sweet, Crispy Comfort Straight From The Oven
This homemade apple strudel is the real deal. The puff pastry bakes up golden brown and crisp, giving you a delicate, flaky crust that perfectly frames the soft, warmly spiced apple filling. To top it off, that sweet cinnamon scent will have everyone wandering into the kitchen before it’s even done baking!
It works beautifully with whatever fresh apples you have on hand, but Granny Smiths are a favorite for their bright, tart bite. If you like a little sweetness to balance it out, toss in a few Honeycrisp or Gala slices. A handful of golden raisins or a sprinkle of brown sugar adds an extra layer of flavor that makes each bite even more comforting.
You can serve your strudel fresh from the oven with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a simple treat, or go all out with a drizzle of caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However you slice it, it’s the kind of dessert that’s worth every single calorie!
Can’t get enough apple-based sweets? Check out our Old-Fashioned Apple Skillet Cake recipe!
What You’ll Need
- Puff pastry dough (half a sheet, thawed to room temperature)
- Margarine (melted)
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground allspice
- Granny Smith apples (peeled and sliced; 2–3 large)
- Confectioners’ sugar (optional, for serving)
Tips for the Best Apple Strudel
- Use room temperature puff pastry dough for an even bake and easy handling.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice! It prevents the apples from browning and adds brightness.
- Roll the dough gently to avoid tearing the thin dough. A lightly floured tablecloth or surface helps.
- If you want, fold in rum-soaked raisins for a classic Austro-Hungarian Empire touch.
- Experiment with different types of apples for varied sweetness and tartness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Remove your sheet of dough from the package and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll it out gently with a rolling pin to smooth any creases. Keep it rectangular, leaving the edges a little thicker so the apple mixture doesn’t spill out.
2. Make the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples with 1 tablespoon flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon allspice. If you like, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Stir until each slice is well coated.
3. Assemble the Strudel
Spoon the apple filling down the long side of the pastry, leaving room at the edges. Fold the sides over the filling and press the seams to seal.
Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle a little sugar over the top for extra crispness.
4. Bake Until Golden
Place the strudel on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Keep an eye on it; it bakes quickly, and you want that crisp, buttery top without burning!
5. Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of vanilla sauce for a special touch.
Try and save some for the others!
If you’re still feeling inspired, here are some more apple recipes you can whip up!
Storage
This homemade apple strudel is best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven, when the flaky pastry is crisp and the apple filling is warm. If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy them the next day. For the best texture, reheat slices briefly in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to bring back that golden, flaky crust before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 Puff Pastry sheet 1/2 of a package
- 1/2 stick margarine melted
- 3 T granulated sugar
- 1 T all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 2-3 large granny smith apples peeled and sliced (I used frozen ones)
- Confectioners’ sugar optional – we used ice cream instead :
Instructions
- Remove one puff pastry sheet from the package and let it sit at room temperature until thawed, about half an hour or so. Place on a floured surface and roll out just a bit with a floured rolling pin.
- In a medium bowl, place the sliced apples and add flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and spices. Stir well to coat the apple slices entirely.
- Spoon apples down the center of your puff pastry sheet. Fold over sides and press seams to seal. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a little bit of sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
hi this looks so good! I am goign to make it this afternoon. Im wondering, though, how many slices do you think it will make? Im taking it to a dinner party and wonder if I should make 2 ro if 1 will yield at leats 10 slices?
I’ve just printed off this recipe, and I’ll likely make it tonight with my granddaughter. I love, love, love your less than perfect way of looking at things! You cook like I do!