Indulge in the timeless charm of Apple Strudel, a beloved dessert that captivates with its delicate layers of pastry and a warmly spiced apple filling. Traditionally, making strudel involves meticulously stretching a paper-thin, yeast-free dough, a process known for being quite labor-intensive and requiring a practiced hand. While the classic method yields an undeniably exquisite result, it can be daunting for the home baker seeking a quicker, more accessible path to this elegant treat. This guide presents an ingenious shortcut, harnessing the inherently flaky and buttery characteristics of phyllo dough to create an easy apple strudel that’s just as impressive, if not more convenient, for any occasion.
Our simplified recipe transforms the art of strudel making into an enjoyable and achievable endeavor. By utilizing the readily available and forgiving nature of phyllo dough, we eliminate the need for kneading, resting, and stretching the dough from scratch. The result is a beautifully crispy exterior, crackling with every bite, perfectly complementing a rich, nutty, and mildly sweet apple filling. This version maintains all the visual appeal and gourmet taste of a traditional strudel, making it a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings, special celebrations, or simply a comforting weekend dessert. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a dessert that looks sophisticated but is surprisingly straightforward to create.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Phyllo Apple Strudel
This streamlined apple strudel recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire:
- Effortless Elegance: Forget the hours of dough preparation! Our version uses pre-made phyllo dough, making a seemingly complex dessert accessible to even novice bakers. It’s perfect for when you want a show-stopping treat without the stress.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Enjoy a harmonious blend of warm spices like cinnamon, mildly sweet apples, and crunchy nuts. The filling is carefully crafted to be utterly delicious without being overly sugary, allowing the natural goodness of the apples to shine.
- Ideal for Seasonal Baking: With its comforting spices and fruit-forward profile, this strudel is an absolute must-make for autumn baking and festive holiday celebrations. It brings warmth and cheer to any table, from Thanksgiving to Christmas and beyond.
- Incredibly Crispy Texture: Unlike some other pastry options, phyllo dough bakes up incredibly light and crisp, creating a delightful contrast with the tender, juicy apple filling. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch that makes this strudel truly irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether dusted with powdered sugar, served à la mode with vanilla ice cream, or drizzled with warm caramel, this strudel is a versatile dessert that can be customized to your preference.
My journey with apple strudels began after moving to the United States, and it quickly became a pastry I cherished. I’ve always been fond of apples, and this dessert only deepened my appreciation for them. While traditional apple strudel dough requires meticulous stretching until it’s thin enough to read a newspaper through—similar to the technique used for Egyptian feteer meshaltet—I opted for a simpler yet equally satisfying approach. For this easy and Mediterranean-inspired adaptation, I chose phyllo dough, a staple I frequently use in many of my recipes due to its incredible versatility and light texture. Some bakers prefer puff pastry for convenience, but I find phyllo delivers a distinctly lighter and crisper strudel, making it my go-to choice for an authentic yet easy-to-achieve flakiness.
Working with phyllo dough might seem intimidating at first, but it is surprisingly easy once you understand a few simple tricks. There’s no need to be apprehensive! The key to success lies in keeping the dough moist and working efficiently. I’ve found that generously brushing the parchment paper on your baking sheet before laying down the first phyllo sheet creates a wonderfully moist base. This ensures that the delicate sheets remain pliable and easy to handle as you layer them and add the filling. Just be mindful not to overdo the buttering on the very outer layers, as this can make the pastry too soggy instead of beautifully crisp.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Apple Strudel
Crafting this delightful phyllo apple strudel requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, quality ingredients. Below is a comprehensive overview of what you’ll need to create both the flaky pastry and the luscious apple filling. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this page. This list will help you gather everything necessary before you begin your baking adventure.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Phyllo Strudel
Creating this easy apple strudel is a rewarding process. While the recipe card below provides detailed instructions, this overview gives you a clear sense of the workflow, from preparing the luscious filling to achieving that golden, crispy crust. Follow these steps for a truly delicious homemade dessert:
- Prepare the Filling: Begin by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped apples and a splash of lemon juice, stirring gently to ensure even coating. Incorporate cinnamon and brown sugar, mixing until the apples are well-seasoned. Cook this mixture for just 2-3 minutes; the goal is to soften the apples slightly and allow the flavors to meld, not to turn them to mush.
- Enhance the Filling: Once the apples are lightly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped walnuts, hearty oats, and plump raisins. The oats are crucial here, as they will absorb any excess moisture from the apples during baking, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring a perfectly structured filling.
- Layer the Phyllo: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, then generously brush it with melted butter or spray with cooking oil. This non-stick base is vital. Carefully lay out two sheets of phyllo dough at a time, brushing melted butter lightly between each pair. Repeat this process until you have used approximately ten sheets, creating a robust yet delicate foundation for your strudel.
- Assemble and Roll: Spoon the prepared apple filling down the middle third of the layered phyllo, distributing it evenly lengthwise and leaving a generous 1.5 to 2-inch border from the short edges. Fold the short ends of the phyllo inward over the filling, then carefully roll the entire assembly into a neat log, starting from one of the long edges. Place the rolled strudel seam-side down on your baking sheet and brush the top generously with any remaining melted butter for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strudel in the center of the oven for about 15 minutes, then move it to an upper rack for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo turns a rich, golden brown and is wonderfully crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple strudel to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to slice it. This cooling period is important for the filling to set and the pastry to firm up, ensuring clean cuts and preventing the strudel from falling apart. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic presentation and serve!
Expert Tips for a Flawless Phyllo Apple Strudel
Achieving a truly exceptional phyllo apple strudel is easy with a few insider tips. These insights will help you navigate common challenges and elevate your baking results, ensuring a perfectly crispy and flavorful dessert every time.
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: While any type of apple can work, your choice will impact the flavor profile. I often use Red Delicious for its natural sweetness, allowing me to reduce added sugar. For a tarter strudel, Granny Smith apples are excellent. Fuji or Honeycrisp offer a great balance of sweetness and firm texture that holds up well during baking. Feel free to mix and match for a complex flavor.
- Apple Preparation Matters: How you cut your apples affects the filling’s texture. Dicing them into small, even pieces ensures they cook uniformly and distribute well throughout the strudel. Some prefer thinly sliced apples for a more traditional texture, while others grate them for a softer, jam-like filling. Experiment to find your favorite consistency!
- Phyllo vs. Puff Pastry: Although some recipes suggest puff pastry, phyllo dough is my preferred choice for its superior crispness and delicate layers. It creates a lighter texture that beautifully contrasts the rich filling. If you’re new to phyllo, don’t worry—it’s very forgiving, and the results are worth the slight learning curve.
- The Importance of Oats (or Breadcrumbs): Do not skip the oats in your filling! They are crucial for absorbing the natural juices released by the apples during baking. Without them, your strudel could end up with a soggy bottom and a messy, runny filling. If you don’t have oats, fine breadcrumbs are a great alternative and perform the same vital function.
- Raisin Variations: I’ve opted for golden raisins in this recipe for their bright, sweet flavor, but feel free to use dark raisins or even dried cranberries for a different tang. If raisins aren’t to your liking, simply omit them—the strudel will still be incredibly delicious.
- Mastering the Roll with Parchment Paper: The parchment paper isn’t just for preventing sticking; it’s your best friend for rolling the strudel. Once the filling is placed, use the parchment paper underneath to help lift and guide the phyllo layers as you gently roll it into a log. This technique makes the process much easier and prevents tearing.
- Thawing Phyllo Correctly: Phyllo dough is delicate and requires proper thawing. Always thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours (still in its package) before use. Avoid microwaving, as this can make it brittle and difficult to work with.
- Keeping Phyllo Moist: Once opened, phyllo dries out very quickly. Keep the unused sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while you work. This maintains their elasticity and prevents them from cracking.
Delicious Variations for Your Apple Strudel
While this apple strudel recipe is fantastic as is, it also serves as a wonderful canvas for creative variations. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and toppings to customize it to your taste or seasonal availability.
- Change the Fruit: While apples are classic, imagine the possibilities! Pears would make a fantastic next-time option, offering a softer texture and distinct sweetness. You could also try berries, peaches, or even a mix of fruits for a truly unique dessert.
- Spice it Up: Elevate the aromatic profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or a dash of allspice to the apple filling. A splash of vanilla extract can deepen the flavor, or for ultimate convenience, use a pre-mixed apple pie spice blend.
- Incorporate More Dried Fruits: If you’re a fan of dried fruits, consider chopping some dried apricots, figs, or prunes and mixing them with the apples for added chewiness and complex sweetness.
- Nutty Alternatives: Not a fan of walnuts or looking for a different crunch? Pecans are an excellent substitute, offering a buttery, rich flavor. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts entirely and perhaps increase the oats slightly for texture.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Beyond a simple dusting of powdered sugar, the topping possibilities are endless. Serve your strudel warm with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt can add a gourmet touch, or for a lighter option, a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also serve it alongside more fresh seasonal fruits for a vibrant presentation.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the apple filling for a bright, refreshing lift that beautifully complements the spices.
Recommended Baking Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. While you don’t need a professional kitchen, a few key pieces of equipment can ensure your apple strudel turns out perfectly every time.
For your baking projects, a reliable, heavy-duty Nordic baking sheet is an absolute must-have. Its robust construction ensures it won’t warp or bend under high heat, providing even baking and consistent results for your strudel and many other delights.
Additionally, a good quality pastry brush is indispensable for evenly coating your phyllo sheets with melted butter. A non-stick skillet for preparing your apple filling will also make the process smoother and prevent any sticking. These simple tools will contribute significantly to your strudel-making success.
More Delightful Dessert Inspirations
If you loved this easy apple strudel, you’re in for a treat! Explore more recipes that celebrate seasonal flavors and provide comforting indulgence. From rich cakes to flaky pastries, there’s always something new to bake and share.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Our Pecan Pumpkin Cake is an incredibly easy and fluffy pumpkin dessert, absolutely perfect for all your fall baking needs.
- Have you ever tried making a Creamy Milk and Apple Pudding? It’s a deliciously simple way to savor the apple season in its easiest and most comforting form.
- For a perfectly portioned treat, these Baklava Rolls are ideal for any occasion. The exquisite blend of sweet, nutty, and crunchy textures makes these rolls truly irresistible!
- If you adore working with phyllo dough as much as we do, then you must check out these 41 Easy Phyllo Dough Recipes. You’ll find yourself wanting to try every single one!
Additional Apple Desserts to Explore
The versatility of apples in baking is truly endless. If you can’t get enough of their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, here are more apple-centric desserts that promise to delight your palate and become new family favorites:
- Experience pure delight with this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake. It features a tender cake base, juicy apples warmly spiced with cinnamon, and a buttery, crunchy topping that’s wonderful any time of the year.
- For a unique twist, this Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is another fantastic way to enjoy apples during their prime season, featuring a delightful surprise filling in the middle.
- The rich and decadent Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is an absolute joy to prepare and share with family and friends, perfect for gatherings.
- Looking for something on the healthier side? These Healthy Baked Apple Slices are surprisingly good, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy the flavors of baked apples.
- These Apple Crisp Bars are incredibly easy to make, making them excellent for snacking, lunchboxes, or a quick dessert. They feature a basic shortbread crust topped with tender apple slices and a simple, cinnamony crisp topping.
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, please consider giving it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and share a photo of your finished dish! It brings me immense pleasure to see your creations and discover your unique interpretations of my recipes. Thank you for your support!
Apple Strudel with Phyllo Dough
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Dessert
European
Halal
20
40
1
8 servings
238kcal
Amira
Ingredients
- 10 phyllo sheets.
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted for brushing.
Filling:
- 3 apples chopped. (14oz/ 396g), diced.
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter/ghee.
- ⅓ cup (38g) packed brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- ⅓ cup (47g) gold raisins.
- ½ cup (50g) walnuts, chopped.
- ⅓ cup (27g) oats.
Instructions
Make the filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter then add apples and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Add cinnamon and brown sugar, mixing well and cook apples for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in walnuts, oats and raisins. Set aside
Make the Strudel:
- Preheat your oven to 350F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with some of the melted butter generously or spray with cooking oil.
- Start layering the phyllo sheets 2 sheets at a time brushing in between and paying more attention to the edges.
- Now spoon the filling in the middle third of the phyllo lengthwise leaving about 1.5 to 2 inches from the short edges. Brush with more butter.
- Fold the short edges over the filling then roll into a log starting from one of the long edges.
- Place seam side down and brush the top with any remaining butter you have.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 15 minutes then move up for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool down completely before cutting.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Any type of apples will work; I have used red delicious because it is my kids’ favorite apples and because it is sweet so I can safely decrease the amount of sugar used. You can use granny smith apples or any baking apples of your preference.
- Cut the apples in any way you like; it was easier for me to dice them. Some people like to grate the apples, others like to thinly slice them.
- You can use puff pastry if this is easier for you, but as I mentioned before, phyllo is a personal preference for a lighter and crisper strudel.
- Do not skip adding the oats; believe me, I’ve been there. I ended up with a super delicious apple strudel, but it was a mess without the oats to absorb moisture.
- Some add breadcrumbs instead of oats, which serves the same purpose of absorbing excess liquid.
- I’ve used golden raisins, but you can use whatever variety you like, or omit them if you’re not a fan. This is optional.
- Use the parchment paper to help you roll the dough into a log, making the process much easier and preventing tears.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.
Nutrition
Calories: 238kcal
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Carbohydrates: 33g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
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Trans Fat: 0.2g
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Cholesterol: 16mg
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Sodium: 56mg
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Potassium: 188mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 20g
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Vitamin A: 170IU
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Vitamin C: 4mg
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Calcium: 29mg
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Iron: 1mg
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This recipe was first published on December 20, 2019, and last updated on October 4, 2022, with important tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and improved readability to enhance your baking experience.