Name: Apple Strudel with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 17.3 ounce package frozen puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg; 1 Tablespoon water; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 Tablespoons heavy cream; 2 teaspoons maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you have a soft spot for cozy fall desserts that bring warmth and comfort in every bite, this Apple Strudel with Maple Glaze Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. Imagine tender, tender Granny Smith apples spiced perfectly and wrapped within flaky puff pastry, all topped with a smooth, sweet maple glaze that adds just the right touch of indulgence. It’s a dessert that captures the essence of autumn and tastes like a hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board with several ingredients neatly arranged. On the left, there are four bright green apples, slightly shiny and fresh. To the right of the apples, there is a small white bowl filled with white powder, possibly flour or sugar, along with a few smaller white bowls containing various powders and liquids: a yellow liquid, brown powder, white powder, and a small amount of dark brown liquid. At the top right, there is a folded stack of beige dough sheets. Near the bottom right, a single brown egg sits on the board. The whole scene is set on a wood-textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Apple Strudel with Maple Glaze Recipe. Each item plays a key role from flavor and texture to color, making this dessert both simple and spectacular.

4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: These tart apples balance the sweetness perfectly and hold their shape well during baking.
2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Keeps the apples vibrant and bright while enhancing their natural flavor.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Gives the strudel that classic warm spice that feels like fall in a bite.
2 Tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture to prevent sogginess in the pastry.
¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance and deepen all the flavors.
2 Tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the apples as they cook.
2 Tablespoons maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and marries beautifully with the glaze.
1 17.3 ounce package frozen puff pastry, thawed: The golden, flaky envelope that makes this strudel extra special.
1 egg: Used to create a glossy egg wash that ensures a beautifully browned crust.
1 Tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg for an easy and even wash.

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar: Creates the sweet base for the smooth glaze.
2 Tablespoons heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture.
2 teaspoons maple syrup: Infuses the glaze with that irresistible maple flavor.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a fragrant, comforting aroma.

How to Make Apple Strudel with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preparing your baking equipment beforehand helps keep everything on track for perfectly baked strudels.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt. This combination ensures every piece of apple is beautifully flavored and ready to become the star of the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the apple mixture. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and the filling thickens. Stir in the maple syrup for added sweetness and depth, then remove from heat and cool a little before assembling.

Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12×10 inch rectangle. Dividing the cooled apple filling evenly, place it down the center of each sheet but leave a 1.5-inch border on each side for folding. This step readies the pastry for that gorgeous braided look that defines a classic strudel.

Step 5: Create the Strudel Shape

Cut diagonal slits about an inch apart along both sides of the pastry, then alternate folding the strips over the filling from each side to form a braid. Don’t forget to tuck in the ends—it seals all that delicious filling inside so nothing escapes during baking.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash, then brush it all over the pastries for a glossy, golden finish. Arrange the strudels on your parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and beautifully browned.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Maple Glaze

While the strudels cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over your strudels just before serving to add that perfect sweet sheen.

How to Serve Apple Strudel with Maple Glaze Recipe

The image shows a golden brown braided pastry with a shiny top layer and white icing drizzle, placed on brown paper over a wooden surface replaced with a white marbled texture. Inside the visible open areas of the braid, there are small pieces of light yellow apple filling. Around the pastry, there are red and green apples and cinnamon sticks placed decoratively. A blue and white checkered cloth is partially seen in the corner. The pastry has a flaky texture with soft apple pieces inside, arranged as one long braid with a few smaller pieces nearby, some showing the apple filling inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts can add extra visual appeal and texture. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm strudel.

Side Dishes

This strudel makes a wonderful centerpiece dessert, but you can complement it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette if serving as part of a larger meal. Hot herbal tea or a lightly spiced apple cider also makes an excellent beverage pairing to echo those warm flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the strudel and serving it on individual plates with a drizzle of extra maple glaze and a sprig of mint for a fancy flair. Or, serve warm apple strudel a la mode in rustic bowls to showcase that melting ice cream and steaming aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover the leftover strudel tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for about 4 days, maintaining the moisture of the filling and crispness of the pastry.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled strudels by wrapping them well in plastic and foil, then baking directly from frozen—adding just a few extra minutes to cook time. For baked strudel, wrap pieces individually and freeze; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover Apple Strudel with Maple Glaze Recipe back to life, warm it in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method retains the flakiness of the puff pastry much better than microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and texture, you can swap in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. Just be mindful that sweeter apples might reduce the amount of brown sugar you use.

Is puff pastry difficult to work with?

Puff pastry can feel a little delicate but is actually quite forgiving when thawed properly and handled gently. Make sure to keep your workspace lightly floured to prevent sticking and avoid over-handling to maintain its layers.

Can I make the apple filling in advance?

Yes, the apple filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before assembling the strudel to ensure that the pastry doesn’t become soggy.

What if I don’t have maple syrup for the glaze?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute honey or a light corn syrup. The flavor will be slightly different but still complement the sweetness of the strudel beautifully.

How do I get the braid to stay in place during baking?

Make sure to tuck the ends neatly and press gently as you fold the pastry strips over the filling. The egg wash also acts like a glue, helping to keep the braid intact and giving you that stunning golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Strudel with Maple Glaze Recipe is a true celebration of fall flavors wrapped up in a flaky, buttery package. It’s the perfect dessert to share with loved ones or to savor as a cozy treat on a crisp evening. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe season after season, eager for that warm apple-spiced comfort and irresistible maple sweetness.