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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.
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS hide
1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
2 Ingredients
3 How to Make Apple Strudel:
4 How to Customize
5 Ideas for Serving
6 Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Frosted Apple Cider Cookies
- Apple-Cranberry Slab Pie
- Spiced Apple Cake Cookies
- Fresh Apple Cake
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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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 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 20
Calories: 298kcal
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples cored, peeled, and diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water plus extra for sealing the dough
- 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry thawed
- 1 egg beaten
Glaze:
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2-3 cups confectioners’ sugar
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
