Homemade Apple Strudel

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Sweet glaze, flaky pastry, tangy apples – who wants a bite? This delicious and easy apple strudel is one of my favorite dessert recipes. While it’s fabulous for fall, you can serve it any time of the year. Once you make it for your family and guests, I’m sure they will agree.

Aunt Maybe's apple strudel on a plate

The fall season is the perfect time for baking apple recipes. I’m so excited to be sharing my Aunt Maybe’s Apple Strudel. It’s one of my favorite fall foods!

A couple of years ago, my Aunt Maybe (her name is May, but we’ve always called her Maybe) brought this apple strudel to a Christmas get-together. Her husband, my Uncle Dan, and their children had always raved about how delicious it was.

It only took one bite to know how right they were. With such a marvelous combination of flavors, I’d say it’s crazy delicious. From saucepan to oven, this apple strudel is the essence of home baking. Warm, comforting, and irresistible!

Of course, this apple strudel is delicious in the fall, but this is a recipe you can fix any time of the year. As I said, we have it for Christmas, and it’s such a treat.

fresh baked fall dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With the use of frozen puff pastry, this recipe takes some of the hard work out of the process, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: Its delicious taste and elegant appearance make it a surefire hit with guests, whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering.
  • Seasonally Versatile: Though it might evoke the flavors of fall, this apple strudel can be enjoyed year-round, making it a timeless treat.
  • Customizable Flavor: With options to adjust spices, add nuts, or experiment with different apple varieties, this apple strudel recipe can be tailored to individual tastes and preferences.

Looking for more apple recipes? This collection of the best apple recipes is for you? Pumpkin lover? Don’t worry, I have those recipes too. Check out this collection of delicious pumpkin recipes.

bird's eye view of baked apple strudel

Ingredients

There are only a handful of simple ingredients in this classic homemade apple strudel. Here’s what you need to have when you make them.

Strudel Ingredients

  • Apples – Use Granny Smith apples. They are tart and taste best when you bake them.
  • Sugar – Granulated white sugar is ideal for the filling.
  • Butter – Unsalted butter is always the best choice for baking.
  • Cornstarch – This thickens the filling.
  • Spices – Use both cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic apple pie flavor. Plus, extra salt enhances the flavors and makes them more pronounced.
  • Puff Pastry – Just buy a package (two sheets) of pre-made puff pastry.
  • Egg – This is to add an egg wash on the outside.

Glaze

  • Butter – Unsalted butter tastes better in the glaze.
  • Vanilla – Gives the glaze the classic vanilla flavor.
  • Milk – Use your favorite type of milk. If you use sweetened non-dairy milk, use less sugar.
  • Powdered Sugar – Also called confectioner’s sugar, this will give you the perfect consistency.

I also love how quick and easy it is to make. Let me walk you through the recipe.

apple strudel pinterest image

How to Make Apple Strudel:

The hardest part of this recipe is peeling the apples. If you can do that, you’re golden. I’ll split this recipe up into easy sections for you. https://inspiredbycharm.com/category/holidays/christmas/

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry

This apple strudel recipe starts with puff pastry. You can make your own, but I think the frozen variety is equally as good. You might as well save yourself time and trouble.

Once thawed, I like to roll out the puff pastry dough to make it 15-20% larger. This allows you to fit in all of the apple filling.

cup of sugar being poured onto bowl of chopped fruit

2. Make the Filling

Speaking of the filling… Mix diced apples, sugar, butter, cornstarch, spices, and water in a medium saucepan. Cook this for about 7 minutes or until the mixture becomes a sauce and thickens.

adding cinnamon and sugar to granny smith apples in a mixing bowl

3. Add Filling to the Puff Pastry

Once the apple filling is cooled, divide it evenly between the two puff pastry sheets. Then, spread the filling on the middle third of the puff pastry.

apple chunks and spices on a stovetop
process photo for making apple strudel

4. Add Decorative Pie Strips

To make the apple strudel a bit more decorative, use a knife to cut lines (about 16 or so) into each outer third of the puff pastry, forming strips. Then criss-cross the strips onto the filling. (You’ll need to add a bit of water to the end of each of the dough strips to seal them.)

It’s a simple method, but it creates a beautiful effect.

folding puff pastry strips over chunks of apple
puff pastry wrapped around apple strudel filling

Once everything is assembled, brush the apple strudel with an egg wash and pop it into the oven for 35-40 minutes.

5. Make the Glaze

Let the strudel cool slightly. While it cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk. I recommend starting with about 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and then adding more to create a glaze that is the desired consistency.

two baked apple strudel loaves on a stove top
glaze pouring off the end of a whisk

6. Add Glaze on Top

Drizzle the glaze on the warm apple strudel, then dig in!

I am not exaggerating. It is SO-O-O GOOD! And yet it’s simple to make, isn’t it? The frozen puff pastry dough makes it easy.

top view of sliced baked apple puff pastry dessert

How to Customize

Customizing this apple strudel recipe is a fun and creative way to put your own spin on a classic dessert. Here are some suggestions to make it uniquely yours:

  • Choose Different Apples: While Granny Smith apples offer a tart and crisp flavor, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp to adjust the sweetness and texture.
  • Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture that complements the soft apples and flaky pastry.
  • Include Dried Fruits: Raisins, dried cranberries, or apricots can add a different dimension of flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to create a unique flavor profile.
  • Play with the Glaze: Customize the glaze by adding citrus zest, vanilla extract, or even a splash of liquor like rum or brandy for an adult twist.
  • Vary the Pastry: Though puff pastry is traditional, you could experiment with phyllo dough or even make a homemade pastry if you’re feeling adventurous.
slice of strudel with apple filing

Ideas for Serving

Presentation is key when it comes to desserts, and here are some ideas to make serving your apple strudel an experience to remember:

  • A La Mode: Serve a warm slice of apple strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting and classic combination.
  • With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of the strudel.
  • Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
  • Garnish with Fresh Berries: Scatter some fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries on the plate for a pop of color and additional flavor.
  • Serve with Hot Beverages: Apple strudel pairs wonderfully with hot tea, coffee, or even hot apple cider, creating a cozy and complete dessert experience.
  • Include a Cheese Plate: For a more sophisticated dessert course, serve the apple strudel alongside a selection of fine cheeses like brie or gouda.
  • Offer Different Sauces: Provide guests with options like caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a berry compote to drizzle over their strudel for a personalized taste.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore these customizations and serving ideas, this apple strudel is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal!

bite of baked apple dessert on a fork

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get to the apple strudel recipe, here are some questions people often ask about it. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

What pastry is apple strudel made from?

Classic apple strudel is made from a puff pastry, like filo pastry. To save me time, I used a store-bought puff pastry. However, if you have time, feel free to make a puff pastry from scratch.

What is the difference between strudel and streusel?

There are a lot of differences between these two popular desserts. A strudel is a baked dessert with thin strips of puff pastry wrapped around the filling. A streusel has the filling inside of a pie crust and is topped with a crumb topping made from sugar, flour, and butter.

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes, to save yourself time, it is just fine to use canned apple pie filling. You could even pre-make the filling and then save it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Then, all you have to do is add the filling to the pastry, wrap it, and bake it.

That being said, this pasty will taste best when you are able to make the filling from scratch, so I encourage you to give it a try.

Is strudel dough the same as pie dough?

No, the dough is not the same as regular pie dough. A traditional strudel is made with puff pastry.

baked apple strudel on a platter
close up of glazed apple dessert

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this homemade apple strudel recipe and will give it a try. I have a feeling you’re going to love it as much as we do.

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

If you make this fabulous apple strudel, I want to hear all about it. Please stop back leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I know you’re going to love this recipe!

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Homemade Apple Strudel

Aunt Maybe’s Apple Strudel

This delicious and easy Apple Strudel (created by my Aunt Maybe) is one of my favorite dessert recipes. While it’s fabulous for fall, you can serve it any time of the year. Once you make it for your family and guests, I’m sure they will agree.
4.95 from 18 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, German
Keyword: apple strudel, apples, dessert, fall, fall baking
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 20
Calories: 298kcal

Ingredients

Glaze:

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, sugar, butter, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water. Stir to combine. Cook at medium heat for about 7 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Set aside and allow the apple mixture to cool.
  • In the meantime, unfold your puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to make each puff pastry sheet about 15% larger in size.
  • Place half of the cooled apple mixture down the middle one-third of one puff pastry sheet.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut horizontal strips along both the left and the right outer thirds of the puff pastry. (Make about 16 strips on each side.)
  • Lightly moisten the ends of all the strips with water. Then fold the strips over the top of the apple mixture. To create a braided look, first fold over a strip from the left, then a strip from the right. Continue left, right, left, right until all of the strips are in place.
  • Seal both ends with a little water.
  • Repeat this process with the rest of the apple filling and the second puff pastry sheet.
  • Transfer both strudels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.* Brush with beaten egg.
  • Baked for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the strudel to cool slightly.
  • In the meantime, prepare a glaze by whisking together the butter, vanilla, milk, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar. Start with 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Add more to create a glaze that is thick but still can be drizzled. (If the glaze becomes too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it.)
  • Slice and serve warm.

Video

Notes

*Once the strudel is filled, moving it to the lined baking sheet can be a bit tricky. Just be quick and careful. If you prefer, you can assemble the strudel directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid having to move it. You will just need to use two baking sheets.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 211IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

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Recipe Rating




57 Comments

  1. Tried this recipe today. The apples were excellent and together with the puff pastry they were fantastic. My husband and son liked the glaze, but I was not a fan. I will make this again only next time I’ll try a turbinado sugar crunch to the top and see how that is.

  2. never made a strudel before and had been wanting to try this recipe for awhile. gave it a go tonight for a family dinner and it couldn’t have been more perfect! followed the instructions to the t and it turned out amazing. will definitely make again 🙂

  3. I am in a house with apple trees for the first time in my life so this is one of many recipes I am trying to use them up!
    I found it amusing that you call the cuisine for this strudel American, but I liked the prepared puff pastry option so away I went. Simple and fairly quick.
    I found there to be too may strips of pastry to fold over the top but I tucked them in all over and I think it will be OK. I definitely think there is way too much glaze. I have covered both my strudels and didn’t even use half of it.
    I look forward to dessert and sharing with my women’s group tomorrow!

  4. As my grandma would say, this is so good it’ll make your tongue slap your brains out! Absolutely the BEST strudel recipe out there!

  5. This was SO DELICIOUS!!!! My husband and I gobbled it down so quickly and happily. This is the best recipe I’ve tried in ages. Do yourself a favor and make this a.s.a.p.!

  6. Can you make the cooking of thesauce a little more clear, such as temp? U cooked the sauce amd took it off the burner just as it started to thicken, but it never got thicker as it cooled amd it was just a soggy mess while filling the pastry. The sauce seeped oit everywhere and was almost impossible to create the braid. I used 2 tbsp of corn starch like revipe stated. I am not sure if i shoukd have waited until the sauce was even thicker?

    1. So sorry you had troubles. Yes, you want to cook the sauce until it starts to thicken. I can add a note about heat / temperature. I just set the burner to medium / medium high

      If your sauce didn’t thicken as it cooled, you probably needed to cook it longer. I would have recommended to putting it back on the heat to cook a little longer to make it thicken a bit more.

      Hope that helps!
      xo Michael

  7. I have made this 3 times and it’s lovely. I made it today at my partner’s request for his birthday. Thanks for a great and easy recipe that looks quite fancy!

    1. Could you make your own pastry dough for this and just chill it? I’m looking for a new recipes to try and I’d love to try this just don’t have any puff pastry on hand.

      1. You sure can. Puff pastry is just a bit challenging and time consuming to make. If you’re up for the challenge, go for it. Happy Baking!

        xo Michael

  8. The anticipation adds to the enjoyment of fall! Please thank your Aunt Maybe for this doable recipe. You and your fellow bloggers have put me in the mood for apples.

    1. They are both good for different reasons. If you need dessert, this one. If you need a breakfast / brunch sweet, the other. 🙂

      xo Michael

    1. I suppose. I personally wouldn’t. The puff pastry is already frozen and thawed. I generally don’t like to freeze things twice. It’s really quick to put together too. Maybe make your apple filling in advance, then assemble and bake before serving.

      xo Michael