Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe

Oh, I just have to tell you about this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe that I’ve been making lately — it’s become a total favorite in my kitchen. What I love most is how easy it is to whip up something that looks and tastes like a bakery treat without all the fuss. Plus, the combination of tender apples spiced with cinnamon wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry? Absolutely irresistible!

You’ll find that this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe is perfect for those cozy moments when you want a comforting dessert or even a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee. I remember the first time I made it, my family literally went crazy for it — and the best part? It all comes together in under an hour!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a special role to make this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe shine. You’ll want to pick the freshest apples you can find and remember that thawing your puff pastry properly is key to flaky layers.

• Apples: Choose a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for great texture and balance.
• Golden Raisins: Adds a lovely sweetness and chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the apples.
• Lemon Juice: Keeps those apples from browning and adds just the right touch of brightness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here – warm, cozy, and classic with apples.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: Be sure to thaw these in the fridge overnight or at room temp until pliable but still cold.
• Dry Bread Crumbs: This might seem odd but trust me – it absorbs any excess moisture from the apple mixture to keep the crust crisp.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances acidity and adds sweetness; divided for sprinkling inside and dusting on top.
• Butter: Melted for richness – plus it helps get that golden crust everyone loves.
• Egg: Beaten for brushing the pastry to achieve that irresistible golden shine.
• Powdered Sugar: The final flourish for serving, adds sweetness and looks beautiful dusted on top.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste. Feel free to play around with spices or add-ins — that’s what keeps it exciting each time you make it.

• Spiced Up: I love adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg along with the cinnamon — it creates this cozy, complex aroma that really elevates the filling.
• Nutty Boost: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and interesting texture, especially if you’re serving this for guests.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap puff pastry for a gluten-free version if you’re catering to dietary needs — many stores carry good-quality options these days.
• Fruit Mix-In: Sometimes I add diced pears or a handful of cranberries for a seasonal twist; it adds freshness and a pop of color too.

How to Make Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Filling with Love

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, evenly sized pieces — about ¼ to ½ inch cubes work best. Toss them with the golden raisins, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a big bowl. This lets the flavors mingle, and the lemon juice keeps your apples from browning too soon, so the filling stays fresh-looking.

Step 2: Roll Out Your Puff Pastry

Lay a clean, lightly floured tea towel on your counter — this helps you roll and work with the pastry gently. Unfold a sheet of thawed puff pastry and roll it into a rectangle roughly 15×12 inches. This gives you enough area to spread the filling without tearing the delicate dough.

Step 3: Build the Strudel Layers

On your pastry rectangle, starting about 2 inches from one short edge, scatter 3 tablespoons of bread crumbs in a 4-inch wide strip. These crumbs might seem like an unusual step, but trust me, they soak up excess juice from the apples to keep your strudel’s crust crisp instead of soggy. Now spoon half of your apple mixture over the crumbs. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter across the fruit, then sprinkle with about ⅓ cup sugar for that nice caramelizing effect.

Step 4: Roll and Seal Like a Pro

This is where the tea towel comes in handy: starting at the filled edge, carefully roll the puff pastry over the filling jelly-roll style. Fold in the sides as you go, tucking them under so the strudel is sealed and nothing leaks out during baking. Place the strudel seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet and filling.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches & Baking

Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden sheen everyone admires. Use a sharp knife to poke several small vents into the top to let steam escape — this keeps the crust crisp. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 25 minutes or until the crust is bubbling and golden brown. Once out of the oven, give the strudels time to cool completely and dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe

Garnishes

I love to dust my apple strudel liberally with powdered sugar — it’s a simple way to fancy it up and add a delicate sweetness. Sometimes, I’ll add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side, turning this treat into a special dessert for dinner guests or family celebrations.

Side Dishes

While the strudel is often enough on its own for me, pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or spicy chai tea makes the experience so cozy. For brunch, I’ve served it alongside soft cheese and fresh fruit for a beautiful contrast that balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to slice the strudel and arrange the pieces on a wooden board with some cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices as decoration — it’s simple but makes your table instantly festive. You can also drizzle a caramel or vanilla glaze over the slices for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — lucky you! I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They usually stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, which I personally love.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing the unbaked, rolled strudel is super convenient. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual — it turns out just as flaky and delicious as freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy crust and warm filling. Microwaves can make the crust soggy, so I try to avoid that unless I’m in a real hurry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make something truly impressive and delicious. I’m always thrilled when friends ask for the recipe after tasting it — and I know you’ll feel the same. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet, flaky comfort of homemade strudel made simple!

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