This Caramel Apple Strudel is a deliciously indulgent dessert that blends the sweet, tart flavor of Granny Smith apples with the richness of caramel and the flaky goodness of puff pastry. Perfect for the fall season or any time you’re craving a cozy dessert, this recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or treating yourself to a special treat, this caramel apple strudel will be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped (about 5 cups)
- ¾ cup apple cider or apple juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Strudel:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Optional for Serving:
- Sweetened whipped cream
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
Directions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
To begin, you will need to prepare the apple filling for the strudel. Start by peeling and chopping the Granny Smith apples into small pieces. Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and the sugar in the filling.
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples with the apple cider (or apple juice) and the granulated sugar. Add in the ground cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves. These warm spices will infuse the apples with a comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with caramel.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become tender and begin to absorb the flavors of the spices and cider.
After the apples are tender, remove the pan from the heat. Let the filling cool completely. This step is crucial to ensure that the puff pastry doesn’t become soggy when you assemble the strudel.
2. Preheat the Oven
While the apple filling is cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly preheated oven ensures the puff pastry cooks evenly, resulting in a beautifully golden and crispy strudel.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Once your apple filling has cooled, it’s time to prepare the puff pastry. Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on a large piece of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the pastry to form a 16×12-inch rectangle. The larger the rectangle, the more room you’ll have to roll the strudel tightly, which will give you the perfect pastry-to-filling ratio.
Position the puff pastry so that the short side is facing you. This will make it easier to roll the pastry tightly when assembling the strudel.
4. Assemble the Strudel
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooled apple filling onto the bottom half of the rolled-out puff pastry. Be sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges to allow the pastry to seal properly. The slotted spoon helps drain any excess liquid from the apples, which prevents the pastry from getting soggy.
Drizzle the apple filling evenly with the caramel sauce. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or, if you prefer, you can make your own. A rich, homemade caramel sauce will add an extra layer of depth to the strudel, but either version works wonderfully.
5. Roll and Seal the Strudel
Starting from the bottom edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a log, jelly-roll style. As you roll, make sure to keep the filling tightly packed. Pinch the seams of the pastry as you go, ensuring that the strudel is fully sealed. Tuck the ends of the strudel underneath to create a nice, neat package. This will help hold in the filling during baking.
6. Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. This egg wash will give the pastry a golden, glossy finish when baked.
Using a pastry brush, gently brush the entire surface of the strudel with the egg wash. Afterward, sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the top. The sugar will give the strudel a lovely crunch and an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Vent and Bake
To allow steam to escape while baking, cut several small slits on top of the strudel. This ensures that the puff pastry will puff up beautifully without bursting.
Transfer the strudel, along with the parchment paper, onto a baking sheet. This helps make the strudel easier to handle and protects the baking sheet from any potential caramel drips.
Place the strudel in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on the strudel during baking to make sure it doesn’t over-brown. The puff pastry should rise and become flaky, creating a beautiful golden crust.
8. Serve
Once the strudel is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. The strudel is best served warm, but you can also let it cool completely if you prefer.
Slice the strudel into 8 equal pieces and serve. For an indulgent touch, consider adding a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top of each serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the strudel, simply allow the filling to cool completely before adding it to the puff pastry. You can also prepare the entire strudel, then wrap it tightly and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute other apples for Granny Smith apples?
While Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, you can substitute them with other apples. Consider using Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples, but keep in mind that they may be sweeter and softer than Granny Smith apples. If you use sweeter apples, you may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe.
Can I use puff pastry from scratch instead of store-bought?
Yes, if you prefer to make your own puff pastry, go ahead! Homemade puff pastry will give you a flakier, more buttery texture. However, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and quick option, especially if you’re short on time.
Can I serve this dessert with ice cream?
Absolutely! A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream pairs beautifully with this caramel apple strudel. The cold ice cream complements the warm, spiced apple filling and the crispy puff pastry.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover strudel, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness of the pastry.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Strudel recipe combines the rich flavors of fall with the crisp, buttery texture of puff pastry, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself. The balance of sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and luscious caramel sauce makes each bite irresistible. Whether you serve it with whipped cream, extra caramel sauce, or ice cream, this strudel is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy every warm, flaky, caramel-filled slice!