There is truly nothing as comforting and delightful as biting into a warm, flaky pastry brimming with sweet, tender apples and a rich maple-cinnamon glaze. The Apple Maple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Strudel Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want a dessert that feels both classic and special. Imagine crisp Granny Smith apples, lovingly cooked with spices and sweetened with maple syrup, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry that bakes up golden and gorgeous. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday treat or a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe brings layers of texture and flavor that will have you coming back for seconds — or thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by how simple these ingredients are; they each play a starring role in crafting the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spice with irresistible buttery flakiness. From the vibrant apples to the silky maple glaze, these essentials come together to create a strudel you’ll want to make again and again.
- Granny Smith apples: Four cups, peeled and chopped, for that perfect tartness that holds up beautifully during baking.
- Lemon juice: Two tablespoons keep the apples bright and prevent browning, enhancing flavor.
- Brown sugar: A quarter cup adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that blends with the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: One and a half teaspoons for a warm, comforting spice note that complements the apples.
- Cornstarch: Two tablespoons to thicken the filling so it’s luscious without being runny.
- Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon to balance and elevate all the sweetness.
- Butter: Two tablespoons melt into the filling, adding richness and a silky finish.
- Maple syrup: Two tablespoons inside the filling and extra for the glaze, providing deep, natural sweetness with a distinctive aroma.
- Frozen puff pastry: One 17.3-ounce package, thawed, to deliver the flaky, golden crust everyone loves.
- Egg: One, beaten with water to create the perfect egg wash for a shiny, golden top.
- Water: One tablespoon, to mix with the egg wash for even coverage.
- Powdered sugar: One cup for the glaze’s sweet, delicate dusting.
- Heavy cream: Two tablespoons in the glaze to add smoothness and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon for a lovely fragrant note in the glaze.
How to Make Apple Maple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Strudel Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your strudels bake beautifully without sticking, setting the stage for a perfect golden crust every time.
Step 2: Toss the Apples
In a large bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt. This step ensures that every apple chunk is evenly coated, which is key for that rich and flavorful filling that’s just the right balance of tart and sweet.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and the mixture thickens. Stir in the maple syrup just before removing from heat. Let the filling cool slightly—it’s important so the puff pastry won’t get soggy.
Step 4: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12 by 10-inch rectangle. Keeping the dough even helps it puff uniformly, giving you that coveted flaky texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Strudel
Divide the apple mixture down the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving about 1.5 inches of space on each side. Cut diagonal slits about one inch apart along both sides of the pastry. Fold the strips over the filling in an alternating braided pattern, then tuck the ends in to seal the strudel securely. This technique not only looks beautiful but helps keep the filling inside as it bakes.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash
Mix the egg with water to create a smooth egg wash. Brush it evenly over the strudels, which will give your pastries that gorgeous golden color and a subtle sheen once baked.
Step 7: Bake the Strudels
Place the strudels on the prepared baking sheets and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed up and perfectly golden. Let them cool just slightly before glazing and serving.
Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. This luscious glaze is the final touch, drizzled generously over the warm strudels for a finish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Apple Maple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Strudel Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch and nuttiness, while a dusting of extra powdered sugar creates a pretty snowy effect. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate each serving into a little celebration on a plate.
Side Dishes
This strudel shines as the centerpiece of a brunch or dessert spread and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast or alongside a spiced chai or bold coffee to balance the sweetness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your strudel into individual servings and stacking them on a rustic wooden serving board for a casual, inviting look. Or plate each piece with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch that makes any occasion feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Maple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Strudel Recipe keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve that crisp, flaky pastry and tender filling.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the strudels but do not glaze. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to one month. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen strudel back to life, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, since the crust can become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this strudel?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness and hold up well during cooking, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples to switch up the sweetness and texture to your liking.
Is it necessary to cook the apple filling before adding it to the puff pastry?
Yes, cooking the filling first softens the apples and activates the cornstarch to thicken the juices, which prevents the puff pastry from becoming soggy and ensures a luscious filling.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine, use a non-dairy milk and maple syrup glaze instead of the egg wash, and use vegan puff pastry varieties to make this dish vegan-friendly.
What other spices can I add to the filling?
Besides cinnamon, you can add nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of ground cloves for a more complex spice profile that enhances the warmth and depth of the filling.
How do I ensure the puff pastry stays crisp after baking?
Allow the strudel to cool on a wire rack so air circulates underneath, preventing steam buildup. Store leftovers uncovered or loosely covered until completely cooled and crisp again before storing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that brings a smile with every bite, this Apple Maple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Strudel Recipe is exactly what you need. Its layers of warm, spiced apple filling and golden pastry are a dream come true, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little sweetness and a lot of joy. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Apple Maple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Strudel Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
This delightful Apple Strudel combines tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples cooked in a buttery maple syrup glaze, wrapped in flaky puff pastry, and finished with a smooth maple-vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy dessert or special occasion, this recipe yields 8 generous servings of golden, braided strudel bursting with flavorful, sweet-tart apple filling.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 4 medium apples)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
Pastry
- 1 (17.3 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the strudels.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is evenly coated, ensuring the apples are well-seasoned and coated.
- Cook Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the apple mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and the mixture thickens. Stir in the maple syrup, then remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 12 by 10 inches. This creates the base for wrapping the apple filling.
- Assemble Strudel: Divide the cooled apple filling evenly between the two pastry sheets, placing the filling down the center of each, leaving approximately 1.5 inches of pastry free on each side. Cut diagonal slits about 1 inch apart along both sides of each pastry.
- Braid Pastry: Fold the pastry strips over the filling alternately from each side to create a braided appearance. Tuck in the ends to completely seal the filling inside the strudel.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to form an egg wash. Brush this evenly over both pastries to ensure a glossy, golden crust after baking.
- Bake Strudels: Place the assembled strudels on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Allow them to cool slightly after baking.
- Prepare Glaze: While the strudels cool, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the slightly cooled strudels. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use tart Granny Smith apples for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- The egg wash ensures a shiny, golden crust; do not skip this step.
- The apple filling can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans inside the filling.
