Puff Pastry Apple Strudel is a newer take on a classic recipe! It has a cinnamon apple filling with notes of warming spices and brown sugar. This simple Austrian dessert can be totally vegan and is a great treat for the holiday season (or really any time of year)!
What is the History of Apple Strudel?
"Strudel" is a German word derived from Middle High German meaning "whirlpool." This could be tied to its characteristic layers of wrapped flaky pastry. The oldest known recipe was handwritten in 1679! Today's recipe in particular is technically Apfelstrudel, and is the national dish of Austria. Many people believe strudel has origins in Germany, but in reality it was a product of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The recipe I'm sharing today is by no means authentic, but it draws on traditional elements. Typically, Apfelstrudel is made by wrapping pastry around a filling of grated apples, sugar, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs. To save time and energy, this recipe uses store-bought puff pastry to create the flakiest layers.
What ingredients are needed to make apple strudel?
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed*
- 4 medium sized apples
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 TBS cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- Juice of one half of a lemon (a few TBS)
- 3 TBS coconut milk, for brushing
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar, for sprinkling
How to Make Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry
First thaw the puff pastry dough and roll it so that it's slightly larger than initially packaged. Then, make eight cuts on each side of the dough, slicing ⅓ of the way through.
After preparing the dough, create a cooked cinnamon apple filling on the stovetop. Line each pastry sheet with this filling and cross the pastry strips over top to create a "braid." Brush with coconut milk, sprinkle with sugar, and bake!
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Can I freeze apple strudel?
Yes! As you can see, this recipe makes two large logs of strudel. To store for later, wrap tightly and place on an even level in the freezer. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes, until fragrant and warm.
What kind of apples are best for baking strudel?
Granny Smith apples are best for strudel, as the tart flavor offsets the sugar. in this recipe. However, I have made this recipe with Envy Gala, or and Fuji apples and it has always worked.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
I do not recommend making this recipe more than 24 hours in advance of serving it. Puff pastry is delicate and will soften over time when left sitting out. If you'd like to reheat it, I recommend doing so in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes, to let the crust crisp up again.
I hope you enjoy this puff pastry apple strudel recipe! If you're looking for more apple ideas, try one of these next:
Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of puff pastry thawed*
- 4 medium sized apples Granny Smith if possible, cored and sliced into small chunks
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 TBS cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup raisins optional
- Juice of one half of a lemon a few TBS
- 3 TBS coconut milk for brushing
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Begin by thawing your puff pastry overnight in the fridge. If your did not do this, wrap it in a towel and microwave for 15-2 seconds, until soft and useable. Sprinkle some flour on a work surface and roll out each sheet of pastry so that each side increases about one inch (2.54 cm).
- Make 8 cuts into each long side of the pastry rectangle, about ⅓ of the way in (see photo).Carefully transport each pastry sheet to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the fridge to chill while you make your apple filling.
- To make the filling, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, water, and raisins if using. Heat skillet to medium and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until apples have softened and mixture is fragrant. Turn off heat and squeeze in lemon juice. Remove apples from skillet and place in the fridge to cool slightly.
- To assemble strudel, place longways half of apple mixture along the middle portion of the strudel, filling the entire pastry. To braid, take a strand from the top left side of the pastry and fold it over the apple filling. Repeat with the right side, alternating down the length of the strudel. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Using a pastry brush or your fingers, brush coconut milk over the surface of the pastry braid (this will act like an egg wash). Sprinkle with corse sugar. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven once pastry is golden brown.
- Serve in slices, sprinkled with sifted powdered sugar if desired.
Hasya says
can i have full video how to make this?
Emily says
Of course - here it is! https://youtube.com/shorts/tBNhJk9kIi4
Sandy Cruckstone says
Excited to try this!
Emily says
Hope you enjoy it, Sandy!