This Apple Strudel recipe uses pre-made puff pastry filled with fresh, tart, granny smith apples, sweet raisins, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, rolled up and baked to warm, flakey perfection.
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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 sheets - easy to handle and they bake up beautifully. The perfect wrapper.
- Granny smith apple - are tart and hold their shape really well when baked.
- Raisins - sweeten the mix just a bit and add texture.
- Organic granulated sugar - is a delicious sweetener.
- Ground cinnamon - adds exactly the earthy spice that is needed.
How To Make Homemade Apple Strudels
- 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.
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.
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
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.
📋 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.
Marfigs
These look *so* delicious!! Strudels usually seem so intimidating but this hits all my spots so I think I'll be defrosting some pastry for the weekend 😉 I love the fact that it's so utterly low on non-natural sugar, and yet it looks so squishy inside. I'm out of raisins but I'm sure any dried fruit ought to work - yum yum!
Ginny McMeans
Yes, they will work great and I am glad you found me. Thanks so much.
Nicole
This apple strudel looks amazing! So flaky and tender. Great photos.
Marfigs
Made this tonight with apple and mango - even my fussy little sister enjoyed it! I used my own tofu puff pastry recipe but this is so delicious and easy 😀
Ginny McMeans
Apple and mango sounds wonderful. Thanks for the feedback and info!
Sharon
This is now my favorite vegan desert! They are so good & easy to make too. I mixed up a small amount of icing with powdered sugar, soy milk & almond flavoring & lightly frosted each piece of strudel. I will be making these again and often. Thank you!
Ginny McMeans
Thank you so much Nicole!
Ginny McMeans
How wonderful Sharon! Your addition sounds so decadent and delicious. Thanks for letting me know.
Jo
Hey, that sounds so delicious! Is Peperidge Farm Puff Pastry vegan? Because I only know recipes with buter.
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Jo! Yes, it is vegan! There are others too that are a bit harder to find.
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads
I just love easy desserts and this one looks fabulous!! Pinning!
Ginny McMeans
Thank you so much Sheena!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom
Wow just 4 ingredients and it looks so fancy!
Andi @ The Weary Chef
This looks beautiful, Ginny! I would love to try it, but I might substitute dried cranberries for the raisins 🙂
Ginny McMeans
🙂 Yes - easy, elegant and tasty!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks so much Andi. I think cranberries would be wonderful too. Especially this time of the year. 🙂
Cookin Canuck
I always keep puff pastry sheets on hand...they're so handy to have around! This apple strudel looks like the perfect holiday dessert.
Melanie | Melanie Makes
I have all of these ingredients on hand! Guess what I'm going to be making?!
Courtney @ Neighborfood
I would like one (okay, five) of these rolls!
Cate @ Chez CateyLou
I love Easy that looks Hard! This strudel really looks impressive, and delicious! I would love a slice right now!
foodwanderings
These apple strudels are such beauties. I wish I can have some now with my cup of tea. I more often than not use ready made puff pastry!!
Anonymous
Oh I love how ready this sound
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
Oh I love how easy this seems!! I can see why your husband wanted you to make it again.
Nutmeg Nanny
I always thought strudel was hard but this makes it look so much easier! Love this!
Tanya Schroeder
This reminds of strudel my mom used to make when I was a kid! I love it! I should make this for her, she'd be so pleased.
Heather / girlichef
I love how simple, yet entirely impressive this is. I love apple strudel.
Ginny McMeans
Thanks! I didn't us to have puff pastry on hand but I do now!
Ginny McMeans
Haha Melanie! That makes me happy!
Ginny McMeans
🙂 Me too Courtney!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks so much Cate!
Ginny McMeans
It is so simple and you are right. These would be really good with tea.
Melanie
That looks like flaky perfection. I love apple strudel and can't wait to make this!
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector)
I'd love a slice or two of this for breakfast tomorrow morning...or right now for that matter! Looks so good!
Angie
This is the kind of simple and gorgeous recipe that I love. Good food shouldn't be fussy. Thanks for sharing this yummy apple strudel!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
What a great use of puff pastry! I can't believe how easy this is - I'll have to try it soon!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
I love using puff pastry for apple strudel! So much easier!
christine
Mmmmm puff pastry. What an easy recipe for an amazing outcome. Must try.
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos
OMG I want to make this NOW! This looks seriously amazing!
Amanda @The Kitcheneer
This apple strudel looks delicious!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
I love Puff Pastry Sheets from the store and use them a lot! Need to use them to make this soon!
Kim Beaulieu
This is such a cool recipe. I love this stuff more than life itself. It looks seriously scrumptious.
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled
I always have Puff Pastry Sheets in my freezer at all times and I need to make these easy apple strudels soon! 🙂
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
That looks so tasty. Those flaky layers! Those apples! Oh, yum.
Georgia
Thank you for this recipe!
I use a similar one, but put the apple bits in rum before, for about half an hour!
Ginny McMeans
Oh my gosh Georgia! That sounds wonderful and so festive.
Kathy Wardley
Hi Ginny - another challenge for you.
Could you do a Strudel with vegetables in it please?
Also is it possible to make the scallop potato casserole, let it get cold and then cut it into individual portions before freezing it?
Sorry to cause you hassle but I know you can sort it for me.
regards
Kathy.
Ginny McMeans
Hi Kathy! No hassle at all! I now have a vegetable strudel on my list. Sounds wonderful 🙂
There is a real good chance that the potatoes will get gritty after baking and freezing. I don't think it would work. If you have one square left over from a casserole it would be worth a try for an experiment.
Thanks so much for your challenge and questions. It really does help me a lot.
Mary Bostow
Very pretty dish! This look amazing! I definitely want to try your recipe, and I'm sure it's very tasty. THANK YOU!
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!