Serves 8, ready in 75 minutes total with 20 minutes prep and 35 minutes baking. This Easy Puff Pastry Apple Strudel with Cinnamon Glaze blends flaky puff pastry, spiced apples, and a sweet cinnamon glaze. Juicy apples, warm spice, and crisp golden layers make this dessert a comforting classic with a bakery-quality finish, ideal for holidays or quick homemade indulgence.
Flaky Homemade Dessert: Puff Pastry Apple Strudel with Cinnamon Glaze
The Art of Combining Buttery Layers and Spiced Apple Perfection
Golden, flaky layers of puff pastry wrap around tender, caramelized apples infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of brown sugar. The gentle crackle of each slice reveals a perfectly balanced dessert — crisp on the outside, soft and fragrant within. This puff pastry apple strudel delivers everything you expect from a classic European treat: rich aroma, comforting sweetness, and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Each ingredient plays a role in shaping this harmony. Fresh apples create a juicy, slightly tangy core that contrasts beautifully with the buttery pastry. Cinnamon brings warmth and depth, while brown sugar intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness. A drizzle of homemade cinnamon glaze adds a glossy finish that ties everything together, turning a simple pastry into a bakery-level masterpiece.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity — there’s no need for complex dough preparation thanks to ready-made puff pastry, which ensures the perfect flaky rise every time. Light brushing with melted butter enhances the pastry’s golden hue and crisp finish, while baking transforms the spiced filling into a luscious apple layer that perfumes the entire kitchen.
The European Roots of Apple Strudel
The apple strudel (Apfelstrudel) traces its origins to 17th-century Austria and quickly spread throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It became a symbol of Viennese café culture and remains a beloved dessert across Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia. Traditional strudel dough requires expert stretching until paper-thin — a skill mastered by few. However, modern versions using puff pastry preserve the authentic taste while making it accessible to every home baker. This adaptation keeps the flaky, tender bite of the original, paired with the same cozy apple-cinnamon filling that defines its legacy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation using puff pastry for a stress-free dessert.
- Perfect balance of textures — crisp exterior, soft apple filling, and sweet glaze.
- Warm cinnamon flavor that turns every bite into comfort food bliss.
- Versatile and elegant — ideal for both everyday baking and festive occasions.
- Beautiful presentation with golden layers that make it perfect for guests.
Ingredient Harmony and Sensory Notes
The puff pastry forms the structure of this dessert, creating those iconic thin, airy layers that flake beautifully with each bite. The apple mixture, typically enriched with sugar, lemon, and cinnamon, becomes a spiced compote inside the pastry, releasing steam that enhances its lift. Raisins, nuts, or vanilla may be added to deepen the flavor profile, giving each region its own variation. Finally, the cinnamon glaze not only sweetens the crust but also locks in moisture, ensuring the strudel stays fresh longer.
This dessert evokes a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of autumn afternoons or festive winter gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream, making it a year-round favorite for those who love homemade fruit pastries.
Explore More Flaky Fruit Desserts
For more delicious inspirations that celebrate the combination of fruit and buttery pastry, we recommend exploring a few of our timeless desserts. Discover how apples shine in both traditional and modern creations that share the same comforting flavors.
Try the Traditional Apple Pie Recipe for another warm and comforting dessert that brings out the best in baked apples and cinnamon.
Or explore our Easy Pineapple Tart Recipe for Beginners — a tropical variation that captures the same flaky pastry texture with a bright, tangy twist.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Puff pastry apple strudel can be prepared ahead, making it an excellent dessert for entertaining. After baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it loosely in parchment paper to preserve its crispness. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes — this restores the crisp layers without drying the filling. The unbaked, assembled strudel can also be frozen for up to one month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Culinary Balance and Texture Dynamics
What makes this dessert exceptional is its balance of contrast: hot and cold, crisp and soft, sweet and tangy. The pastry’s thin layers create a delicate crunch that melts into the warm apple filling, while the glaze enhances both aroma and presentation. Served fresh from the oven or gently reheated, it embodies everything a classic apple dessert should be — simple, timeless, and irresistibly fragrant.
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- Preheat the oven:
Set the oven to 190°C (375°F), fan-assisted if possible. Line a large baking sheet (about 30×40 cm / 12×16 inches) with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Prepare the apple filling:
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups (400 g) of sliced apples, ¼ cup (50 g) of brown sugar, 2 tbsp (25 g) of granulated sugar, 1 tsp (3 g) of ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of lemon juice, and 1 tbsp (10 g) of flour. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated. If using, stir in 2 tbsp (25 g) of raisins. The mixture should look glossy and slightly moist. - Roll the pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 sheet (275 g) of puff pastry into a rectangle about 30×40 cm (12×16 inches). The dough should feel cool and pliable but not sticky. If it tears, patch gently by pressing the edges together. - Add the filling:
Spoon the apple mixture evenly down the center of the pastry, leaving about 4 cm (1.5 inches) of space on each side. The filling should be piled neatly, not overflowing. - Shape the strudel:
Fold both sides of the pastry over the filling, overlapping slightly in the middle. Seal the edges by pressing them gently with your fingers or a fork. Tuck in the ends to fully enclose the filling. The roll should look compact and smooth. - Brush and score:
Brush the surface with 1 tbsp (15 g) of melted butter, then with 1 beaten egg (50 g) for a shiny crust. Lightly score the top with diagonal cuts about 2 cm (¾ inch) apart to allow steam to escape during baking. - Bake the strudel:
Transfer the strudel onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. If not golden yet, bake 2–3 minutes longer. The pastry should feel firm and flaky, with a warm, sweet aroma. - Cool before glazing:
Let the strudel cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. Cooling prevents the glaze from melting and keeps the crust crisp. - Prepare the cinnamon glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, ½ tsp (1.5 g) ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, and ¼ tsp (1 ml) vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. If it seems too thick, add ½ tsp (2 ml) more milk. - Finish the dessert:
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled strudel using a spoon. The surface should glisten and form a light coating as it sets. Slice into 8 equal portions using a serrated knife.
FAQ questionCan I use frozen puff pastry for apple strudel?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then roll it gently before filling. Avoid overhandling to keep the pastry’s layers intact for a crisp, flaky texture after baking.
FAQ questionWhat are the best apples to use in puff pastry apple strudel?
The best apples are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon, giving the strudel its signature tangy-sweet flavor.
FAQ questionWhy did my apple strudel turn soggy on the bottom?
A soggy strudel usually means too much liquid in the filling or underbaked pastry. Toss apples with flour or breadcrumbs to absorb excess juice and bake on a parchment-lined tray until golden and crisp. Cool on a rack to prevent steam buildup.
FAQ questionCan I make puff pastry apple strudel ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the strudel in advance and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 12 hours, or freeze it for a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. After baking, store at room temperature for two days or refrigerate up to four.
FAQ questionIs puff pastry apple strudel gluten-free?
Not unless you use gluten-free puff pastry. Several high-quality brands offer gluten-free options that bake beautifully. Substitute regular flour in the filling with cornstarch or rice flour to make the recipe fully gluten-free.
FAQ questionCan I make it vegan?
Yes, replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and the egg wash with plant milk. Ensure the puff pastry is labeled vegan, as some brands contain butter. The result will still be golden, flaky, and delicious.
FAQ questionHow do I serve puff pastry apple strudel beautifully?
Slice the cooled strudel into even pieces using a serrated knife. Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a festive touch, drizzle extra cinnamon glaze and garnish with a few apple slices or mint leaves.
I’ve baked and refined countless apple desserts over the years, but this puff pastry apple strudel remains one of my favorites for its simplicity and aroma. Every layer has been tested for perfect flakiness and balanced sweetness.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience, specialized in European and international cuisine.
Perfect Homemade Dessert in Less Than 1 Hour
Puff pastry apple strudel delivers everything you want from a classic European dessert — crisp, buttery layers wrapped around tender, spiced apples. It’s a simple yet elegant pastry that combines warm cinnamon flavor, golden flakiness, and a naturally sweet aroma. With minimal preparation and just 35 minutes of baking, this dessert is ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers looking for a fast, impressive treat.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its effortless preparation. Using ready-made puff pastry saves time without sacrificing texture or quality. The filling uses everyday ingredients — fresh apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon — which caramelize beautifully as the pastry bakes. The final drizzle of cinnamon glaze adds a glossy finish and just the right amount of sweetness.
Flexible and Family-Friendly
This dessert adapts easily to your needs. It can be made dairy-free, egg-free, or gluten-free with a few simple substitutions while keeping the same delicious texture and aroma. You can prepare the strudel in advance, bake it fresh before serving, or even freeze it for future use. The recipe works equally well with seasonal fruits like pears or cherries for creative variations.
When to Serve
The puff pastry apple strudel fits perfectly into any occasion — from a cozy autumn weekend dessert to a festive holiday centerpiece. Serve it slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting finish. It’s also ideal for brunch tables, afternoon tea, or as a warm dessert after a family dinner.
Delicate, fragrant, and easy to make, this dessert captures the essence of European baking tradition. Whether you’re celebrating, entertaining, or simply indulging, puff pastry apple strudel is always a timeless, heartwarming choice that brings warmth and sweetness to any table.
Allergens
Contains: gluten (wheat), milk, egg.
Substitution tips
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free puff pastry available in stores.
- Dairy-free: Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives (e.g., almond milk, vegan butter).
- Egg-free: Use 1 tbsp (15 ml) plant milk for glazing instead of egg wash.
Vitamins and minerals (per serving)
- Vitamin C: 3 mg – supports immune function and collagen formation.
- Vitamin A: 45 µg – contributes to healthy vision and skin.
- Calcium: 25 mg – helps maintain bone strength.
- Potassium: 160 mg – supports heart and muscle health.
- Iron: 0.6 mg – contributes to oxygen transport in blood.
Antioxidants (per serving)
- Polyphenols: 70 mg – help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Flavonoids: 45 mg – support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
- Carotenoids: 20 µg – aid in skin protection and overall wellness.
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