Smart Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry, perfect to make when, after the holidays, you have leftover puff pastry and crave an easy, quick, and foolproof dessert.
This “smart” version of the classic strudel allows you to enjoy all the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and nuts without complicated doughs and without stress.
Crispy on the outside, soft and fragrant inside, it is the ideal dessert to use up leftover puff pastry and bring to the table a simple yet delicious dessert, perfect for Sundays or homemade snacks.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 6 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (rectangular)
- 4 cups Golden apples (to clean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1 lemon zest (grated)
- Half lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins
- as needed milk
- as needed sugar
- as needed ground cinnamon
- as needed powdered sugar
Tools
- Rolling Pin
Steps
Roll out the sheet of puff pastry between two sheets of parchment paper and flatten it slightly with the rolling pin, without thinning it too much. Set aside.
Melt the butter in a pan, add the breadcrumbs, and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring, until golden. This step is to prevent the filling from releasing too much moisture during baking.
Meanwhile, peel the apples, remove the core, and cut them into small cubes. Transfer them to a bowl, grate the lemon zest, add the juice of half a lemon to prevent them from browning, mix in the sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Mix well.
Spread the toasted breadcrumbs in the center of the pastry, leaving the edges free. Arrange the entire apple filling evenly on top.Fold one long side of the pastry over the filling, then the other, sealing well. Gently turn the strudel over with the seam facing down.
Brush the surface with milk, add a pinch of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar. Make some light cuts on the surface, without going too deep.Bake in a static oven at 356°F, on the second-to-last shelf, for 30 minutes. Then move the strudel to the middle shelf and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until golden.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
How to Store the Smart Apple Strudel
The smart apple strudel keeps for 2 days at room temperature, under a cake dome.
You can also store it in the refrigerator for 3 days, warming it slightly before serving.
Tips
If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a tablespoon of apricot jam to the filling.
Instead of walnuts, you can use pine nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
It’s also perfect as a leftover dessert after the holidays when puff pastry is left over from appetizers!
FAQ
Is the breadcrumbs in the strudel mandatory?
Yes, it is used to absorb the moisture from the apples and keep the pastry crispy.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours ahead and bake it when ready.
