Classic Apple Strudel with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe

Puff Pastry Austrian Apple Strudel is a quick copycat recipe you can easily make at home with fewer than 10 ingredients.

Looking for an easy apple strudel recipe?

This puff pastry apple strudel uses store-bought puff pastry for flaky, buttery layers without the work of making dough from scratch. It’s an ideal fall dessert — warm, comforting, and elegant enough for a holiday table. The filling blends sweet apples with warm spices, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a creamy layer of whipped cream cheese, all wrapped in golden puff pastry.

Using canned apple pie filling keeps the recipe quick and convenient while still delivering the classic strudel flavors. If you prefer, you can prepare a simple homemade filling (see FAQs below). Serve slices warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.

What Is Apple Strudel?

Apple strudel, or Apfelstrudel, is a traditional Austrian pastry known for its thin layers of dough and spiced apple filling. The name “strudel” refers to the swirling pattern you see when the pastry is sliced. While the technique for very thin dough is a specialty, this recipe uses puff pastry for a simpler, reliable result with the same satisfying contrast of flaky crust and tender apple filling.

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• Flaky-crusted perfection: Ready-made puff pastry creates light, layered pastry that bakes up crisp and tender.
• Year-round appeal: Serve warm with ice cream in cool weather or chilled with whipped cream for a lighter treat.

What You Need to Make This Simple Apple Strudel Recipe

• Puff pastry: Pre-made frozen sheets thaw and roll easily for a buttery, flaky crust.
• Apple pie filling: A can of apple pie filling keeps this fast; choose a filling that has apple chunks for texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the apple filling’s flavor.
• Allspice: Or swap with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg if preferred.
• Walnuts: Toasted and chopped for crunch.
• Whipped cream cheese: Spread in the center for a creamy contrast to the apples.
• Egg white: For brushing the pastry to help it brown and shine.
• Powdered sugar and milk: Whisk to a simple glaze for finishing.

How to Make This Puff Pastry Strudel

• Preheat: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll pastry: Roll a thawed puff pastry sheet into a long rectangle about 12–14 inches long. Transfer to the prepared sheet.
• Layer cream cheese: Spread whipped cream cheese in a 3-inch-wide strip down the center of the pastry.
• Prepare filling: Mix the apple pie filling (reserve 1/4 cup), vanilla, and allspice. Spoon the mixture over the cream cheese and sprinkle half the toasted walnuts on top.
• Cut and fold: Slice the pastry into 1-inch angled strips from the long edges toward the filling. Fold the top and bottom edges over, then weave the strips back and forth to encase the filling, pinching to seal.
• Egg wash and bake: Brush the pastry with beaten egg white. Bake 25–27 minutes until golden and puffed. Allow to cool slightly.
• Finish: Heat the reserved 1/4 cup of apple filling and mash slightly; spoon it along the center of the baked strudel and sprinkle with remaining walnuts.
• Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk to make a glaze and drizzle over the strudel.
• Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Cold pastry is easier to handle and yields flakier layers.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing. For a lighter option, chill and serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.

How to Store Leftovers & Reheat

Store leftover apple strudel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

To freeze: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 puff pastry sheet
• 1 can apple pie filling (reserve 1/4 cup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 8 tbsp whipped cream cheese
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll puff pastry into a long rectangle (about 12–14 inches) and transfer to the baking sheet.
3. Spread whipped cream cheese in a 3-inch-wide strip down the center.
4. Combine the apple filling (except 1/4 cup) with vanilla and allspice. Spoon over the cream cheese and sprinkle with half the walnuts.
5. Slice 1-inch angled strips from the long sides toward the filling. Fold top and bottom edges over, then weave the strips to enclose the filling and pinch to seal.
6. Brush with beaten egg white and bake 25–27 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool slightly.
7. Heat the reserved 1/4 cup apple filling, mash, and spoon along the center of the strudel. Top with remaining walnuts.
8. Whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze and drizzle over the strudel.
9. Slice and serve.

Nutrition (approx.)

Per serving: Calories 96 kcal; Carbohydrates 11 g; Protein 2 g; Fat 5 g; Sugar 8 g. Values are estimates and will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Recipe FAQs

This puff pastry Austrian apple strudel is an easy way to enjoy classic strudel flavors year-round. The flaky crust, spiced apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy whipped cream cheese layer make a balanced and crowd-pleasing dessert. If you try the recipe, consider rating it and leaving a comment to help other readers.