Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe

I absolutely love how this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe comes together to deliver a warm, cozy dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. There’s something about that flaky, buttery puff pastry paired with tender spiced apples and a touch of caramel that just feels like a little slice of comfort. Whether you’re hosting a casual family gathering or just craving something sweet after dinner, this recipe works perfectly because it brings both elegance and simplicity to the table.

When I first tried this, I was amazed by how the store-bought puff pastry made it so much simpler than traditional strudel dough, yet the result felt just as special. You don’t need to be an expert baker to impress everyone, and you’ll find that the combination of cinnamon, pecans, and caramel turns the filling into a luscious, flavorful surprise every time. Trust me, once you know this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe, it’ll become a go-to for those moments when you want quick, tasty comfort food.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe is that it relies on a few simple ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Using good-quality puff pastry and tart Granny Smith apples really makes a difference. Plus, those pecans give an amazing crunch to the soft apple filling.

• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly and holds up well when cooked.
• Caramel topping: Adds a luscious sweetness that keeps the apples moist and flavorful.
• Ground cinnamon: Just the right hint of warm spice enhances the apple filling.
• Puff pastry sheet: Make sure it’s completely thawed overnight in the fridge for easy handling and perfect puff.
• Chopped pecans: For texture contrast and a buttery nutty flavor that I personally can’t skip.
• Sugar: Added on top for that classic cinnamon-sugar crunch.
• Egg (beaten): For brushing on the dough to get that beautiful golden shine.

Variations

I love to tweak this Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative — the base is flexible enough to handle most tweaks without losing its charm.

• Use different nuts: I sometimes swap pecans for walnuts or almonds — both add a lovely crunch and flavor twist.
• Add dried fruit: A handful of raisins or dried cranberries mixed into the apple filling brings a burst of chewy sweetness.
• Make it vegan: Use a vegan puff pastry and swap the egg wash for a little plant-based milk for that golden crust.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for a more complex flavor.

How to Make Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples and Puff Pastry

Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing 2 large Granny Smith apples. While you prep, bring your thawed puff pastry sheet out of the fridge so it can sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes—that makes it much easier to work with. Then, in a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the apples with caramel topping and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir occasionally, and cook until the apples soften but still hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. This creates that tender, fragrant filling that’s just irresistible.

Step 2: Assemble Your Strudel

Lay the puff pastry sheet on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the warm apple mixture down the center lengthwise, leaving about half an inch from the edges free. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the apple filling. Now comes the fun part—starting with the short side, carefully roll the pastry up like a jelly roll and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Trust me, sealing well keeps all that delicious filling inside while baking.

Step 3: Prep for Baking

In a small bowl, mix the sugar with the remaining cinnamon. Brush the top of the strudel with the beaten egg for that golden, glossy finish. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over the top for a little sweet crunch. Don’t forget to cut a few 2-inch slits across the top of the dough—this lets steam escape and helps your strudel puff up beautifully.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Bake your strudel in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 10 minutes until it starts puffing up. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking until the pastry is a deep golden brown—usually another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end, as every oven behaves a bit differently. You’ll know it’s ready when the whole thing looks crisp and has that beautiful caramelized surface.

How to Serve Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe

Garnishes

I usually dust the finished strudel lightly with powdered sugar right before serving—it adds a delicate sweetness and looks so pretty! Sometimes, I also like to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm, flaky pastry. These little touches really turn it into a memorable dessert experience.

Side Dishes

To round out a dessert-focused meal, I often pair this apple strudel with a strong black coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea. If you’re going the brunch route, fresh fruit salad or a cheese platter complement the richness of the pastry beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes slice the strudel into smaller servings and arrange them on a platter decorated with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a showstopper and really feels festive. Another fun idea is to turn the strudel into individual pockets by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares and folding each around the filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the strudel cools completely, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though honestly, it usually doesn’t last that long at my house! When you store it this way, the pastry softens a bit but still tastes great.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing unbaked assembled strudel wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Just pop it into the oven straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This makes for a fantastic make-ahead dessert you can pull out when guests arrive.

Reheating

To reheat leftover apple strudel, I warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—it revives the crispness of the puff pastry much better than a microwave ever could. This way, it tastes almost as fresh as when it first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry Recipe has genuinely become one of my favorite go-to desserts because it balances ease and irresistible flavor so well. It’s a recipe I’m eager to share with friends, knowing it will impress whether you’re making it for a casual snack or a special occasion. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—you might find, like me, that it’s one of those simple homemade treats that quickly becomes a beloved classic.

Print