Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 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
Pastry
- 1 17.3 ounce package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the strudels.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is evenly coated and combined.
- Cook Apple Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the apple mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softens the apples and thickens the filling. Stir in the maple syrup, then remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll each thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle approximately 12 by 10 inches.
- Assemble Strudels: Divide the cooled apple filling evenly between the two puff pastry sheets, placing the filling down the center and leaving about 1.5 inches on each side. Cut diagonal slits about 1 inch apart along both sides of each pastry rectangle.
- Braid Pastry: Fold the cut strips over the filling alternately from each side to create a braided appearance. Tuck in the ends of the pastry to securely seal the strudel.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Brush this evenly over both strudels to help them achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake Strudels: Transfer the prepared strudels to the lined baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and let the strudels cool slightly.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth to form the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the maple glaze over the slightly cooled strudels before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an added treat!
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Make sure to allow the apple filling to cool before assembling to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the glaze.
- Strudels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a low oven to maintain crispiness before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American