Easy Viennese Apple Strudel
There’s something magical about the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and buttery pastry wafting through your kitchen.
This Easy Viennese Apple Strudel is my shortcut version of the classic Austrian dessert, and trust me, it’s just as delicious as the ones you’d find in a Viennese café.
With a flaky, golden crust and a tender, spiced apple filling, this strudel is the perfect treat to share with loved ones—or keep all to yourself (no judgment here!).
Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed to be fuss-free and foolproof.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
1. Prepare the Filling
Start by peeling and thinly slicing your apples—aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick so they cook evenly. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, golden raisins, and a splash of lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a bright tang but also keeps the apples from browning. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the apples to release their natural juices. This step is key to creating that luscious, gooey filling that makes every bite irresistible.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Take your thawed puff pastry sheet and place it on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out, just enough to smooth any seams and create an even rectangle. Be careful not to roll it too thin, as you want those flaky layers to puff up beautifully in the oven. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter—this not only adds flavor but also helps the pastry turn golden and crisp as it bakes.
3. Assemble the Strudel
Spread the apple filling evenly over the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This border is important—it gives you room to seal the strudel without the filling spilling out. Now, carefully roll the pastry into a log, starting from the longer side. Tuck in the ends as you go to keep the filling snug inside. Once rolled, place the strudel seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the outside with more melted butter for that golden, glossy finish.
4. Cut Steam Vents
Before baking, use a sharp knife to make 4-5 small diagonal slits across the top of the strudel. These vents allow steam to escape during baking, ensuring the pastry bakes evenly and doesn’t puff up too much. Plus, they give the strudel that classic, bakery-style look!
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you assemble the strudel. Once it’s ready, pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes to make sure it doesn’t over-brown. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the warm, comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon—it’s pure magic!
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the strudel cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the filling time to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat. Each bite is a perfect harmony of buttery, flaky pastry and tender, spiced apples.
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for the best flavor and texture.
- If your puff pastry feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling it out.
- For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle the baked strudel with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Storage
- Store leftover strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crisp.
- You can freeze the unbaked strudel for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Easy Viennese Apple Strudel: A Flaky, Sweet Slice of Comfort
Description
This easy Viennese apple strudel features a flaky puff pastry crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and golden raisins. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat with coffee!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, golden raisins, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle, about 12x10 inches. Use a rolling pin to smooth any seams, but don’t roll it too thin—you want to keep those flaky layers intact.
Assemble the Strudel:
Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Spread the apple filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Carefully roll the pastry into a log, starting from the longer side. Tuck in the ends as you go to seal the filling inside.
Cut Steam Vents:
Place the strudel seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make 4-5 small diagonal slits across the top of the strudel. These vents will allow steam to escape during baking, ensuring the pastry bakes evenly and stays crisp.
Brush with Butter:
Brush the outside of the strudel with the remaining melted butter. This will give it a beautiful golden color and a rich, buttery flavor.
Bake:
Bake the strudel in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool and Serve:
Let the strudel cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 25g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For a nutty twist, add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- If you prefer a less sweet strudel, reduce the sugar to 2 tbsp.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
