Puff Pastry Apple Strudel: Quick and Easy

Savor authentic apple strudel flavor with this quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy home cooks. Utilizing store-bought puff pastry and classic ingredients like apple, walnut, and cinnamon, our step-by-step instructions and video tutorial make this quick dessert a breeze to prepare.

“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.

So, this quick and hassle-free version was born. If you’re a fan of effortless apple desserts like Apple Brownies or want an alternative to the American classic deep-dish apple pie, then this puff pastry apple strudel recipe should be next on your baking agenda.

What is Strudel?

Originating from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, strudel is a delightful 18th-century Viennese pastry. With culinary roots influenced by Ottoman (Turkish) pastry traditions like baklava, strudel has gained immense popularity across Central and Eastern Europe, and even in American households. Each region adds its signature twist to this classic.

What Makes Apple Strudel Special?

Apple strudel is a harmonious blend of complex flavors and textures that sets it apart from other apple desserts. The flaky, buttery puff pastry envelops a tender, juicy filling of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet sugar, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. Rooted in Austro-Hungarian history, this versatile dessert is easily modernized for quick preparation.

Using store-bought puff pastry makes it quick and easy to prepare an elegant, heritage-rich dessert. Whether you prefer it dusted with sugar or served with ice cream, apple strudel blends elegance and cultural heritage into one delicious package.

Quick and Easy Apple Strudel

Why Choose This Recipe?

Here are four compelling reasons:

1. Impress your guests with minimal effort.
2. Utilizes everyday baking ingredients.
3. Simplified through the use of store-bought puff pastry.
4. Mouthwateringly delicious and perfect for any occasion!

Making traditional apple strudel requires an investment of time and labor. If you like apple strudel but want to avoid the work, this quick puff pastry version will satisfy your strudel craving.

The preparation is easy and you will get a best apple strudel that has a flaky crust with a soft cinnamon-y apple filling inside. This is one of the most popular dessert recipes on my blog.

Ingredients List

• Baking Apples: Choose from Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Ginger Gold, Gala, Honey Crisp, or Jonagold.
• 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

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.

Step 2. Prepare the Nut Filling

• Chop walnuts into desired size. Mix walnuts, sugars and breadcrumbs in a small bowl; stir well.

Step 3. Assemble the Strudel with Puff Pastry

1. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface to stretch out a little, about 10×12-inch.
2. Put half of nut mixture in the center of the pastry leaving 1-inch from both sides.
3. Spoon half of apple mixture on top of nut mixture.
4. Lift the front side of pastry and fold over the filling.
5. Lift the opposite side of pastry and fold over. Pinch the sides down to seal.
6. Carefully transfer the strudel to a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, placing the seam-side down. Tuck both ends under. Brush with egg wash and make slits for the steam to escape.

Step 4. Bake and Serve

• Bake the strudel in a preheated 375˚F oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Let the pastry cool for 10 minutes on a cooling rack.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Typically, apple strudel is often served with vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream on the side. However, you can enjoy apple strudel just as is.