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Easy Puff Pastry Apple Strudel for Beginners

A close-up of a golden, flaky slice of apple strudel filled with spiced apples, dusted with powdered sugar.

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Make a quick, flaky apple strudel using store-bought puff pastry. This beginner-friendly recipe fills the pastry with cinnamon-spiced apples, breadcrumbs, and optional raisins for a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 6 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix gently.
  3. Prepare the breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the raisins, if using.
  4. Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets onto the prepared baking sheet. If using two sheets, gently press the seam to join them into one large rectangle.
  5. Spread the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the center two-thirds of the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border clear on all sides.
  6. Spoon the apple mixture over the breadcrumbs, draining any excess liquid.
  7. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash.
  8. Fold the long sides of the pastry over the filling, overlapping slightly. Crimp the ends firmly to seal the strudel completely. Place the sealed strudel seam-side down on the baking sheet.
  9. Brush the entire top surface of the strudel with the remaining egg wash. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  11. Let the strudel cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool further.
  12. Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing and serving warm. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning for a quick dessert.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, soak the raisins in 1 tablespoon of rum or apple juice for 15 minutes before adding them to the breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the pastry with melted butter instead of the egg wash.
  • This pastry works well for a sweet breakfast pastry or a cozy dessert idea.

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