Easy Apple Strudel

Apple strudel is one of those classic desserts that evokes comfort and nostalgia, especially during the fall season. With its flaky pastry and warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, it’s no wonder this pastry has stood the test of time. If you’re looking for a quick and easy apple strudel recipe, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through a simplified method, making it accessible even for beginners.

Why Make an Easy Apple Strudel?

Making an easy apple strudel doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or authenticity. With just a few basic ingredients and store-bought puff pastry, you can create a delicious, homemade dessert in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s perfect for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer. Plus, you’ll save time and effort compared to traditional apple strudel recipes that require homemade dough.

If you’re looking for a more detailed version of the classic recipe, you can find it on BBC Good Food’s Puff Pastry Recipes, which offers other great pastry-based ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this easy apple strudel, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to create this delicious pastry:

• Apples (4 medium): Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a slightly sweeter flavor. Peel, core, and slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly inside the pastry.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness to the apple filling. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet your apples are.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): The warm spice of cinnamon is essential for that comforting, fall-inspired flavor in every bite of the strudel.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): A splash of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the apples and adds a bit of brightness to the flavor.
• Store-bought Puff Pastry (1 sheet): Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy, while still delivering a flaky and buttery crust. You can use homemade puff pastry if you prefer, but this shortcut makes the process faster.
• Butter (1/4 cup): Melted butter is brushed on the strudel before baking, giving it a golden, crispy finish.
• Egg (1): Used for an egg wash to achieve that shiny, golden crust.

Optional add-ins include raisins, chopped walnuts, or almonds, which can add extra texture and flavor.

For more information on selecting the best apples for baking, head over to Serious Eats.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easy Apple Strudel

Making an easy apple strudel at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a delicious, homemade dessert that’s sure to impress. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your own easy apple strudel from start to finish.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when your strudel is ready to go in. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the strudel from sticking and make for an easy clean-up once it’s done.

2: Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and slice about 4 medium apples. Aim for slices that are thin but not paper-thin—around 1/8-inch thick works well.
• Place the sliced apples into a large bowl and toss them with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. The sugar and cinnamon will create that lovely, spiced apple filling, while the lemon juice adds a slight tang to balance out the sweetness.
• If you’re using any optional ingredients like raisins or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), fold them into the apple mixture at this point. They’ll add texture and extra flavor to the filling.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

• On a floured surface, gently roll out your store-bought puff pastry sheet. You want to create a rectangle, but it doesn’t need to be perfect. Aim for about 12×14 inches, or whatever shape works for the size of your apples.
• If the puff pastry feels a little sticky, lightly dust it with flour, or use a rolling pin with a bit of flour to prevent it from sticking to your surface.
• Once rolled out, make sure the pastry is thin enough to bake up flaky but still sturdy enough to hold the apple filling.

4: Assemble the Strudel

• Lay the prepared apple mixture down the center of the puff pastry sheet. Be sure to leave some space along the edges to help seal the strudel later.
• Carefully fold the sides of the puff pastry over the apples, then gently roll it up from one edge to the other. Think of it like rolling a burrito—tight enough to hold everything in but not so tight that the pastry breaks.
• Seal the edges of the pastry by pressing them together gently with your fingers. If the edges are too thin, you can pinch them together or use a fork to crimp them.

5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

• To get that golden, shiny crust, brush the outside of the strudel with an egg wash. To make the egg wash, simply beat 1 egg with a tablespoon of water. Use a pastry brush to apply this mixture to the surface of the strudel.
• Place the rolled-up strudel onto your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and you can see the apple filling bubbling slightly at the edges.

6: Let It Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the apple strudel from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to slice.
• Slice it into 6–8 pieces, depending on how large you’d like your servings.
• For an extra special touch, dust the top with a little powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

---

Tips for the Best Easy Apple Strudel

• Use cold puff pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is chilled when you start working with it. This helps maintain its flakiness as it bakes.
• Don’t overfill the pastry: While it might be tempting to pack in lots of apples, you want to ensure the pastry has room to expand as it bakes.
• Optional additions: You can experiment with different add-ins like raisins, walnuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra richness.

By following these simple steps, you can make a perfect apple strudel with minimal effort. This easy recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and is sure to become a family favorite!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the pastry: It’s tempting to add more filling, but too much can cause the pastry to break or become soggy.
• Not sealing the edges: If the edges aren’t sealed properly, the filling may leak out during baking, making a mess.
• Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash is essential for giving the strudel its crispy golden exterior. Don’t skip this step!

Apple Strudel Variations

While this recipe is a great introduction to apple strudel, there are several ways to personalize it:

• Different fillings: You can add other fruits like pears, or even cranberries, for a twist on the classic. If you like a bit of tartness, these fruits complement apples wonderfully.
• Dough alternatives: While we’ve used puff pastry for simplicity, you could use phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier texture.
• Savory options: If you’re in the mood for something savory, try making a savory apple strudel with cheese and herbs—great for an appetizer!

How to Serve and Store Apple Strudel

• Serving: Serve your strudel warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, or for a richer dessert, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Storage: Leftover strudel can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What kind of apples are best for apple strudel?
  • Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for apple strudel because they balance the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon.
• Can I make apple strudel without puff pastry?
  • Yes! You can use phyllo dough or even a simple pie crust if you prefer. Just be aware that the texture and flavor will vary.
• Can I freeze apple strudel before baking?
  • Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked strudel. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then bake it straight from the freezer. It may need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven.
• How long does apple strudel last?
  • Apple strudel lasts for about 3 days when stored in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Is it possible to make an apple strudel ahead of time?
  • Yes, you can prepare the strudel the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from a serving of easy apple strudel (per serving):

• Calories: 350–400
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 3g

---

Now that you’ve learned how to make an easy apple strudel, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a treat at home, this dessert will surely satisfy your craving for something sweet and comforting. Happy baking!