This Apple Strudel is a beautiful, golden puff pastry filled with tender apples, warm spices, and rum-soaked raisins, creating a cozy and indulgent dessert. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the flaky pastry, a touch of sweetness from the apples and cinnamon glaze, and a hint of warmth from the spiced filling. Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a special gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a bakery-quality pastry at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
With its origins in classic European pastry, this version of apple strudel uses puff pastry for ease, making it approachable yet decadent. The cinnamon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the flavors and creating a beautiful presentation. It’s a dessert that feels fancy but is simple enough to make any time you crave a sweet, comforting treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry creates a delicious, crispy crust that perfectly complements the tender apple filling.
• Warm and Spiced: With cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum-soaked raisins, this strudel offers layers of comforting flavors.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dessert is easy to slice and share, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or family dinners.
Ingredients:
Apple Strudel:
• ½ cup golden raisins
• 2 tablespoons rum
• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
Cinnamon Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Soak the Raisins
• In a small bowl, combine the raisins and rum. Place the bowl in a sink filled with a couple of inches of hot water, allowing the raisins to soak for 15-20 minutes. This will plump up the raisins and infuse them with flavor. After soaking, drain any excess rum from the raisins.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. Add the soaked raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring to combine all the ingredients. This mixture will become the flavorful filling for your strudel.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pastry
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out two large pieces of parchment paper for working and baking on.
• Gently unfold each sheet of puff pastry and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll over the folds and creases in the pastry to smooth the dough without thinning it out too much.
Step 4: Add Breadcrumbs and Filling
• Sprinkle ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs down the center of each pastry sheet. The breadcrumbs help absorb excess moisture from the filling and keep the pastry from becoming soggy.
• Divide the apple mixture evenly between the two sheets of pastry, spooning it on top of the breadcrumbs in a central strip.
Step 5: Cut and Fold the Pastry
• Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the pastry on each side of the apple mixture into strips about ½ to ¾ inch wide, ensuring the cuts are aligned on both sides.
• Carefully (using the parchment paper for stability) transfer the cut pastry with the filling to baking sheets, keeping the parchment paper underneath.
Step 6: Braid the Strudel
• Starting on one side, fold each strip of pastry over the filling at a slight downward angle, alternating left and right to create a braided appearance. Lightly moisten the far edges of each strip with water so they adhere to the opposite side, securing the braid.
• Using paper towels, soak up any excess juice around the edges of the strudel to prevent overflow during baking.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops and sides of each strudel with the egg wash, which will give the pastry a golden color as it bakes.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and flaky.
Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze
• In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze will add a lovely, sweet finishing touch to the cooled pastry.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
• Allow the baked strudel to cool fully before drizzling the cinnamon glaze over the top. Cut into slices and serve.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftover strudel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at a low temperature to restore the pastry’s crispiness.
• Freezer: If you’d like to make the strudel ahead, assemble and freeze it (unbaked) for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips:
• Choosing Apples: Crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best in this recipe, providing a nice balance to the sweetness of the filling.
• Extra Flavors: Add a touch of ginger or a dash of clove for added warmth and depth.
• Serving Suggestions: This strudel pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
This Apple Strudel is a delightful pastry that brings together tender spiced apples, buttery puff pastry, and a hint of cinnamon. With its classic flavor and impressive appearance, it’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. Enjoy!
