Classic Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) with Puff Pastry Shortcut
Make this traditional Austrian pastry, Apfelstrudel, using flaky puff pastry for a quick yet impressive dessert. The filling features warm, spiced apples and raisins.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 6 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, raisins, chopped nuts (if using), melted butter, and lemon juice. Mix gently until the apples are evenly coated. This is your cinnamon apple filling.
- Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll or stretch the pastry into a rectangle, about 10 by 12 inches. If you prefer a more authentic, thinner dough, you can stretch it carefully until it is almost translucent, but puff pastry is simpler.
- Place half of the apple filling mixture in a line down the center of the pastry rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
- Brush the edges of the pastry lightly with the beaten egg wash.
- Fold the long sides of the pastry over the filling, overlapping slightly. Then, fold the short ends up to seal the filling inside, creating a log shape. Place the strudel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining filling.
- Brush the tops of both strudels generously with the remaining egg wash to help them brown. Cut a few small slits in the top of each pastry log to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove the apple strudel from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving warm. This warm spiced apples dessert is best enjoyed right away.
Notes
- If you want a truly traditional experience, you can make homemade strudel dough, but using store-bought puff pastry is a great shortcut for a busy schedule.
- For an extra layer of flavor, toss the apples with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- Serve this European pastry warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg