The smell of warm apples and butter slowly filling the kitchen is one of those simple pleasures that never goes out of style. This apple strudel recipe brings together tender cooked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry and finished with a rich brown butter glaze. It’s comforting, familiar, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
What makes this apple strudel recipe especially appealing is how approachable it is. Instead of traditional hand-stretched dough, this version uses pre-made puff pastry, making it ideal for home bakers who want great results without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors stay classic, while the method stays practical.
For a festive twist on a classic favorite, try the Gingerbread Waffle Recipe. They are spicy, sweet and ideal for holiday mornings.
A Cozy Puff Pastry Apple Strudel That Feels Bakery-Made
Description
This apple strudel recipe uses puff pastry, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich brown butter glaze for an easy, flaky homemade dessert.
Ingredients
2–3 apples peeled and diced
2 tbsp butter
¼ c brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp water
Pre-made puff pastry
1 egg for egg wash
¼ c unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c powdered sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Peel and dice the apples.
2. In a pan over medium heat, sauté apples in butter for 5 mins.
3. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and water. Simmer for 5-10 mins.
4. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend into a chunky paste.
5. Roll out pre-made puff pastry and cut into 12 equal pieces.
6. Spread apple butter on 6 pieces and cover each with the remaining 6.
7. Seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, and bake at 425°F for 25-30 mins.
8. Brown ¼ c butter over medium heat.
9. Once browned, add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooked strudels.
Notes
Allow apple filling to cool slightly before assembling.
Reheat baked strudels in the oven to maintain flaky texture.
Why This Apple Strudel Recipe Works So Well
This apple strudel recipe succeeds because each step is designed to prevent common baking problems. Cooking the apples before assembling the strudel removes excess moisture, which keeps the pastry crisp instead of soggy. Turning the apples into a chunky apple butter also helps the filling stay neatly inside the pastry while baking.
Using puff pastry gives this apple strudel recipe consistent results every time. The layers puff beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, flaky exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft apple filling inside. The brown butter glaze adds depth and warmth without overpowering the apples.
Ingredients That Make This Apple Strudel Recipe Stand Out
Apple Butter Filling
Apples
This apple strudel recipe uses peeled and diced apples that cook down easily and develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
Butter
Butter helps soften the apples and adds richness to the filling.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar brings a subtle caramel note that complements the apples perfectly.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon provides warmth and balance, giving this apple strudel recipe its signature aroma.
Water
A small amount of water allows the apples to simmer gently without scorching.
Assembly
Pre-made Puff Pastry
Puff pastry keeps this apple strudel recipe simple while still delivering flaky, bakery-style layers.
Egg
Egg wash helps the pastry bake evenly and develop a golden finish.
Brown Butter Glaze
Unsalted Butter
Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that elevates the final flavor.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla softens the glaze and rounds out the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar creates a smooth, drizzle-friendly glaze.
Cinnamon
A final touch of cinnamon ties the glaze back to the filling.
How to Make This Apple Strudel Recipe Step by Step
Preparing the Apple Filling
Peel and dice the apples so they cook evenly. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the apples in butter for about five minutes until they begin to soften. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and water, then let the mixture simmer gently for five to ten minutes.
This step is essential for a successful apple strudel recipe. Cooking the apples first concentrates their flavor and ensures the filling won’t release excess liquid during baking.
Blending the Filling
Transfer the cooked apples to a food processor and blend them into a chunky paste. This texture spreads easily over the pastry while still providing small bits of apple for contrast.
Assembling the Strudels
Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut it into twelve equal pieces. Spread the apple butter filling over six pieces, then cover each with the remaining pastry squares. Seal the edges with a fork to keep the filling secure.
Brush the tops with egg wash to help the pastry turn golden and crisp in the oven.
For a bakery-style treat you can enjoy at home, try the Olympic Village Chocolate Muffins. They are rich, moist and great with coffee or tea.
Baking and Glazing
Bake the strudels at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until fully puffed and deeply golden. While they bake, brown the butter over medium heat. Once browned, stir in the vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon to form a smooth glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm strudels just before serving.
Ingredients
Apple Butter Filling
- 2–3 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ c brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp water
Assembly
- Pre-made puff pastry
- 1 egg for egg wash
Brown Butter Glaze
- ¼ c unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 c powdered sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Assembly
- Pre-made puff pastry
- 1 egg for egg wash
Brown Butter Glaze
- ¼ c unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 c powdered sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Directions
- Peel and dice the apples.
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté apples in butter for 5 minutes.
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and water. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend into a chunky paste.
- Roll out pre-made puff pastry and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Spread apple butter on 6 pieces and cover each with the remaining 6.
- Seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, and bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Brown ¼ c butter over medium heat.
- Once browned, add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooked strudels.
Serving Ideas for Apple Strudel
This apple strudel recipe is best served warm, when the pastry is crisp and the filling is soft. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Baked strudels can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their flaky texture. The apple filling can also be prepared a day ahead, making this apple strudel recipe even easier to assemble later.
Helpful Tips for the Best Apple Strudel Recipe
- Let the apple filling cool slightly before assembling.
- Avoid overfilling the pastry to prevent leaks.
- Always bake on a lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts
This apple strudel recipe delivers everything people love about a classic dessert — warm apples, flaky pastry, and comforting spice — without unnecessary complexity. With its simple method and rich flavor, this homemade apple strudel recipe is one you can confidently make again and again, whether for guests or a quiet weekend treat.
For an easy breakfast that feels elegant and fresh, try the Easy Strawberry Crepes. They are light, fruity and perfect for any morning.
The best recipes are the ones you actually make. Discover more on Pinterest and Medium.
FAQs
What are the best apples for an apple strudel recipe?
For a reliable apple strudel recipe, apples that balance sweetness and acidity work best. Apples that soften well during cooking create a smooth, flavorful filling.
What’s the traditional strudel dough vs puff pastry strudel?
A traditional apple strudel recipe uses hand-stretched dough that becomes paper-thin. Puff pastry versions simplify the process while still delivering flaky layers.
What other nuts and dried fruits can be used in strudel?
Chopped walnuts, almonds, raisins, or dried cranberries all work well in an apple strudel recipe and add texture.
Tell me more about stretching the strudel dough by hand
Traditional apple strudel dough is stretched gently over a cloth-covered surface until nearly transparent, a technique that requires time and practice.
