Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel is a classic dessert that’s perfect any time of day, from breakfast and brunch to dessert. This easy apple strudel with puff pastry is filled with tender apples, raisins, and toasted pecans, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust for an irresistible flavor combination.

Easy Apple Strudel Recipe

Is there truly a time of year when apples aren’t delicious? Depending on the variety, apples can be enjoyed “in season” almost year-round, making them a favorite for fruit lovers everywhere. That said, there’s something special about the fall harvest, when apples arrive in abundance and the season becomes synonymous with classic apple desserts. Apple strudel, originally from Austria, is a flaky pastry enjoyed across many European countries. When immigrants brought it to America, the recipe evolved to suit local tastes and ingredients, resulting in the many variations enjoyed today.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Apple Strudel: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Crust – Buttery puff pastry makes assembling this strudel quick and easy.
• Apples – Tart Granny Smith apples give this strudel its signature flavor.
• Raisins and Pecans – Chewy raisins and toasted pecans add crunch and texture.
• Flour – All purpose flour stabilizes the apple filling.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar (white sugar) for sweetness.
• Spices – Apple pie spice adds authenticity to the taste.
• Egg Wash – One egg beaten with water for the egg wash.
• Serving – A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds sweetness.

How to Make the BEST Apple Strudel Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare the Pan – Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll Out Puff Pastry – Roll the puff pastry into a 12×16-inch rectangle in a lightly floured surface. This is where I also like to use a silicone pastry mat to make this task super simple and no sticking!
• Make Apple Filling – Stir together the apples, raisins, pecans, flour, sugar and apple pie spice until evenly coated. 
• Assemble – Arrange apple mixture one the puff pastry.
• Roll – Begin rolling on the shortest end leaving 1/4-inch border on each side. Roll jelly roll style, ending seam side down. Pinch to seal the ends and tuck the ends under. Carefully move to the baking sheet.
• Egg Wash – Use a sharp knife to cut 4 or 5 slits in top. Brush with egg wash.
• Oven – Bake per the baking time in the recipe until golden brown.
• Serve – Let cool for 15 minutes then use a sharp knife to cut into equal portions and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Apple Pecan Strudel

• Large rimmed sheet pan.
• Rolling pin.
• Medium bowl.
• Apple peeler and corer or vegetable peeler and sharp knife and cutting board.
• Small bowl and whisk or fork to make the egg wash.
• Pastry brush.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Follow the Directions for Thawing the Puff Pastry – Thaw the puff pastry per the package instructions. You can do this in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the best result.
• Apples – Granny Smith apples are wonderful in this strudel with their tart flavor that balances the sweet. You could use gala apples, Braeburn apples or honey crisp apples. You also have the option of leaving the peel intact or removing the peel, it’s up to you.
• Nuts – I always add toasted pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch and raisins for the chewy texture they bring to the filling. You could use dried cranberries for a holiday twist.
• Apple Pie Spice – Apple pie spice includes cinnamon, cardamon, nutmeg and allspice. It expands the flavor profile so I highly recommend using it. You could adapt this recipe using ground cinnamon in a pinch.
• Butter – You could use melted butter in place of egg wash.

Storage and Leftovers

• Serving Options – You can serve Apple Strudel dusted with powdered sugar warm or at room temperature. You could also enjoy it drizzled with caramel sauce and a scoop (or two!) of vanilla ice cream.
• Leftovers – Store leftover apple strudel in an airtight container at room temperature or chilled for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – You can reheat single servings in the microwave.
• Freezer – Freeze apple strudel for up to 2 months. thaw in the fridge and reheat just before servings with a fresh dusting of powdered sugar.

More Apple Dessert Recipes to Make

• Easy Fried Apple Pies are stuffed with a homemade apple pie filling.
• Vanilla glazed Apple Fritters are impossible to resist.
• Start your day with a stack of Apple Pancakes drizzled with pure maple syrup.
• My Praline Apple Bread is drizzled with a buttery praline sauce.
• Treat the family to a bowl of Apple Cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream.
• Cinnamon sugar coated Apple Cider Doughnuts are baked, not fried.
• Lattice topped scratch made Apple Pie.
• Another fun apple dessert to try is this recipe for Mini Caramel Apple Pastries from Lovefoodies.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pan
• Rolling Pin
• Apple Corer Peeler
• Pastry Mat