Easy Apple Strudel Recipe – A Crispy, Cozy Dessert for Every Season

Few desserts capture the comfort of fall baking quite like a warm apple strudel. With its flaky pastry crust, spiced apple filling, and irresistible crunch from chopped walnuts and sugar, Easy Apple Strudel is the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or someone looking to impress with minimal effort, this apple strudel is your new go-to.

This version of the classic Austrian dessert uses frozen puff pastry for convenience, eliminating the need for labor-intensive dough while still delivering buttery, golden layers. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you can create a show-stopping treat perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Strudel

• Effortlessly elegant: No need to master strudel dough from scratch—store-bought puff pastry does all the work.

• Balanced sweetness: A touch of brown sugar, cinnamon, and tart Granny Smith apples keeps this dessert from being overly sweet.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices.

• Beautiful presentation: The braided look is impressive but simple enough for beginners.

• Versatile serving options: Serve it warm or cold, with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients for Easy Apple Strudel

Here’s everything you need to make this cozy dessert:

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon water

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

How to Make Easy Apple Strudel

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water using a fork. This egg wash will help give the strudel a beautifully glossy finish and hold the dough together.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the sliced apples and chopped walnuts, then toss everything together until the apples are well coated.

Step 4: Roll the Pastry

Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unfold the thawed puff pastry and gently roll it out to a 16×12-inch rectangle using a rolling pin. Transfer the dough to your parchment-lined sheet pan.

Step 5: Fill and Shape the Strudel

Arrange the apple mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a margin on the sides. Use a sharp knife to cut slits about 1 inch apart on each side of the filling, stopping about ½ inch from the apples.

Start at one end and fold the strips over the apples in a crisscross pattern, alternating sides to create a braided effect. Tuck the ends under to secure the filling.

Step 6: Finish and Bake

Brush the entire pastry with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top for added texture and sparkle.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (small and medium)

• Fork or whisk

• Rolling pin

• Knife or pizza cutter

• Sheet pan

• Parchment paper

• Pastry brush

• Measuring spoons

• Spoon or spatula

Helpful Tips and Tricks

✅ Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly

Thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Don’t let it sit at room temperature too long—it becomes sticky and hard to work with.

✅ Slice Apples Evenly

Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get uniformly thin apple slices. This ensures even baking and better texture.

✅ Keep the Dough Cold

If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the assembled strudel for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the flakiness of the pastry.

✅ Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can make the pastry soggy or cause it to tear while braiding. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.

Ingredient Variations

🍐 Pear Strudel

Substitute the apples with ripe but firm pears for a delicate twist.

🥥 Tropical Twist

Add shredded coconut and replace walnuts with macadamia nuts for a tropical flavor profile.

🍫 Chocolate Lovers

Sprinkle chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate after baking for an indulgent version.

🧂 Nut-Free

Omit the walnuts entirely or replace with dried cranberries or raisins.

🥄 Spice It Up

Try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon for a more complex spice blend.

Serving Suggestions

This strudel is best served slightly warm but is also delicious at room temperature or even chilled.

Pair it with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

• A dollop of whipped cream

• A drizzle of caramel sauce

• A dusting of powdered sugar

Beverage Pairings:

• Hot coffee or espresso

• Spiced chai latte

• Mulled apple cider

• A glass of dessert wine, such as Riesling or Moscato

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator

Wrap any leftover strudel tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

Freezer

This apple strudel also freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the strudel and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar just before placing in the oven.

What other apples can I use?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples also work well. Just make sure they’re firm and not too juicy.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Be sure to leave a margin when placing the apples and braid the pastry tightly. Tucking in the ends also helps seal the filling inside.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free puff pastry sheet and replace the all-purpose flour in the filling with a gluten-free flour blend.

Do I need to peel the apples?

It’s highly recommended, as the peel can become tough during baking and affect the overall texture of the strudel.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Strudel brings together simplicity, elegance, and rich autumn flavor in one stunning pastry. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or as a sweet weekend treat, it never fails to impress. The shortcut of puff pastry keeps the process stress-free while delivering a professional-looking dessert with that coveted flaky, golden finish.

Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dessert for every gathering—from cozy coffee mornings to holiday dinners.