Apple Strudels- Puff pastries filled with fresh, tart, granny smith apples, sweet raisins, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, rolled up and baked to warm, flakey perfection. These easy apple strudels are the new delicious dessert of fall that the whole family will love.
If you've ever been to a German bakery, you've probably seen a strudel or two or ten. But what exactly is a strudel? Strudel is a type of pastry that originates from Austria. It's made by layering thin sheets of dough with a filling, which can be sweet or savory. The dough is then rolled up into a log and baked. Strudels are often served as a dessert, but they can also make for a delicious breakfast or brunch dish. So the next time you're in the mood for something sweet, give a strudel a try!
This easy vegan apple strudel is the perfect fall dessert! It's made with a flaky puff pastry crust and a cinnamon-sugar apple filling that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Best of all, it's simple to make! No need for fancy equipment or special culinary skills. With its deliciously sweet and tart combination, this flakey fruit-filled strudel will quickly become a new family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Apple Strudel Recipe
Easy To Make- This strudel is so easy to make! Just roll out the dough, fill it with apples, raisins, cinnamon, sugar, and bake. It's the perfect dessert for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Looks Fancy- Apple Strudels are so delicious and beautiful that guests will think you bought them at a high-end bakery.
Perfect For Fall- Fall is the season for fresh apples making these apple strudels the ideal dessert for cooler weather.
Sweet & Delicious- This strudel is filled with tart apples, sweet raisins, and a cinnamon sugar mixture that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
Simple Ingredients- You likely have most of the ingredients for this strudel recipe in your pantry already; if not, they are all readily available at your local grocery store.
Equipment Needed To Make Homemade Apple Strudels
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
- Paring Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients For Easy Apple Strudels
- Puff Pastry
- Apple
- Raisins
- Organic Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
How To Make Homemade Apple Strudels
Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a small mixing bowl, thoroughly mix, then set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a baking pan before slicing your apples. Arrange sliced apples on the puff pastry in one direction, starting with the longest side of the pastry. Add raisins on top of the apple layer, then sprinkle with your cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Again, starting with the long side, roll up the puff pastry, add it to the baking pan with the seam side down, and fold under the ends, so that nothing inside is showing. Then make diagonal slices along the top of the pastry dough. Bake the strudels at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
When the strudels are done, slice them into pieces, and enjoy.
What to Serve/Pair With Apple Strudels
These vegan apple strudels go great with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, as an addition to your holiday dessert spread, or simply on their own as a snack. If you want to get extra fancy, you could even serve them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Popular Substitutions & Additions for vegan apple strudels
Raisins- If you don't like raisins or don't have any on hand, you can substitute them for cranberries, blueberries, or even chopped nuts.
Cinnamon- Cinnamon can be left out of this apple strudel recipe altogether, or you can substitute it for another spice such as nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a festive twist.
Sugar- You can use any type of sugar you like in this recipe, but I find that organic sugar works best. You could also use brown sugar or coconut sugar if you want a little bit of a different flavor.
Puff Pastry- For a gluten-free version of this recipe, you could substitute the puff pastry for vegan pie crust or even phyllo dough.
Apple- Any apple will work in this recipe, but I find that granny smith apples work best. You could also use pears, peaches, or even apricots.
Peanut Butter- Add a layer of peanut butter or vegan Nutella between the pastry and apple layer to make them even more delicious.
How To Reheat & Store Apple Strudels
What Is The Best Way To Store Homemade Apple Strudels?
Homemade vegan apple strudels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or the fridge.
How Long Will Apple Strudels Last In The Fridge?
When properly stored, homemade apple strudels will last up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I Freeze Vegan Apple Strudels?
Yes, vegan apple strudels can be frozen. I recommend freezing them before baking. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
How To Reheat Homemade Apple Strudels?
Homemade vegan apple strudels can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.
Easy Homemade Apple Strudel FAQs
Is this homemade apple strudel recipe easy to make?
Yes, this homemade apple strudel recipe is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
Can I use any apple in this strudel recipe?
Yes, any type of apple will work in this recipe. I find that the tartness of the granny smith apples works well with the sweetness of the raisins and the cinnamon sugar mixture, but feel free to use your favorite type of apple.
Does the puff pastry need to be thawed before using it?
Yes, you will need to thaw the puff pastry before using it. I find that the best way to do this is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Do I have to put raisins in the strudels?
No, you don't have to put raisins in the strudels. If you don't like raisins, you can substitute them for another type of dried fruit, such as cranberries or blueberries. You could also add chopped nuts for a little bit of a different flavor.
Can I use other fruits in place of apples?
Yes. If you don't have apples on hand or are looking for a different flavor, you could also use pears, peaches, or even apricots.
Don't Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Homemade Vegan Apple Strudels Turned Out!
📋 Recipe
Easy Apple Strudel
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry - Sheets, you will use one sheet from the package of two, Pepperidge Farms which is vegan
- ¾ cup apple - tart apple such as a granny smith, peeled and thinly sliced - don' peel until right before you use it because apples turn brown quickly when peeled
- ⅛ cup Raisins
- 1 tablespoon sugar - organic
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Take out one sheet of the puff pastry and let it thaw for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface open the puff pastry sheet and roll it out to about 12" x 13".
- Pick the pastry up on one end and lay it on a baking pan. Now slice up your apple and lay the slices all in one direction going with the longest side. This is because you will be rolling up the puff pastry from the longest side and it will be much easier to roll if the apple slices aren't fighting you - vertically.
- Lay the apple slices all over the puff pastry. Sprinkle the raisins all over the apple layer.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over the top layer.
- Roll up like a jelly roll starting with the long edge.
- Lay in the center of the baking sheet, seam side down. Fold under the ends. Make diagonal slices along the top - 2" apart. Just through the pastry.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Serve and store in an airtight container.
Kavita Favelle
Love apple strudel but have never made it, really liking the look of your easy version, which looks straightforward but still delicious.
Shashi at SavorySpin
I've always shied away from strudel cos of the pastry - but this is brilliant! Can't wait to try this over the weekend!
Marisa Moore
I love lower sugar desserts. And this one looks perfectly flaky and important - easy!
Kelly Anthony
What a great recipe to use for the upcoming apple season. Thanks for sharing!
Tara @ Unsophisticook
My great-grandma used to make the most amazing strudel, but I've never been able to replicate it. And her recipe was far more complicated... Love this easy apple strudel!