Sweet & Simple Apple Cream Cheese Strudel Recipe for Beginners
Ever wondered how a classic apple cream cheese strudel could become your new go-to dessert?
Crisp autumn apples dance with smooth cream cheese in this delightful pastry creation.
Layers of flaky phyllo wrap around a luxurious filling that promises pure comfort.
Sweet meets tangy in each delicate bite, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
Light and elegant, this strudel brings a touch of sophistication to any gathering.
Serving this crowd-pleasing treat that looks impressive but comes together with surprising ease.
Those you love will be asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.
Why Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel Feels Warm And Sweet
Ingredients You Need For Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
Base Ingredients:Filling Ingredients:Finishing Ingredients:How To Make Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
Step 1: Whip the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, blend together:Mix until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, combine:Gently toss the ingredients until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dust a clean surface with flour.
Carefully unroll the puff pastry and gently stretch it out.
Step 4: Create the Strudel Base
Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the pastry.
Leave a small border around the edges.
Evenly distribute the apple mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Craft the Braided Topping
Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry.
Carefully fold the strips across the filling in an alternating pattern.
Create a beautiful woven design that covers the apple mixture.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Whisk together an egg and milk in a small bowl.
Gently brush the egg wash over the entire pastry surface.
This will give the strudel a gorgeous golden color.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the strudel in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns a rich golden brown.
The edges should be crispy and flaky.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
Whisk together:Create a smooth, drizzling glaze.
Once the strudel has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the strudel into generous portions.
Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat!
Tips For A Flaky Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
How To Store Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
Drinks To Enjoy With Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
Fun Twists For Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
FAQs About Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
This version combines creamy cream cheese with classic apple filling, creating a richer, more indulgent pastry that’s easier to make than traditional European strudels. The puff pastry and simple braiding technique make it approachable for home bakers.
Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The puff pastry does most of the work, and the braiding technique is simple enough for anyone to master. Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create a beautiful, delicious dessert.
Absolutely! Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to complement the cream cheese and spices.
This strudel is most delicious when served slightly warm. The pastry stays crisp, the filling is gooey, and the glaze adds a perfect finishing touch. It’s best enjoyed within a few hours of baking for maximum flavor and texture.
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Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Delightful apple cream cheese strudel brings European pastry magic to home kitchens with its flaky layers and rich filling. Crisp pastry and sweet cinnamon-spiced apples dance alongside creamy cheese, promising pure comfort you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Filling Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash and Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft a velvety cream cheese blend by whisking together soft cream cheese, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract until silky and uniform. Allow mixture to rest momentarily.
- In a separate vessel, gently combine diced apples with rich brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and delicate flour, ensuring each apple piece is evenly coated.
- Warm the kitchen oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal pastry performance.
- Delicately roll out the puff pastry on a lightly dusted surface, creating a rectangular canvas for your culinary creation.
- Generously spread the cream cheese mixture along the pastry’s central corridor, maintaining a modest border around the edges.
- Artfully distribute the spiced apple mixture atop the cream cheese, creating a harmonious layer of flavors.
- Transform the pastry’s sides by carefully slicing 1-inch parallel strips, leaving the central filling untouched.
- Elegantly weave the pastry strips across the filling, alternating sides to create an intricate braided pattern that resembles delicate lattice work.
- Whisk together egg and milk to create a lustrous wash that will give the strudel a golden, glossy exterior.
- Lovingly brush the egg mixture over the entire pastry surface, ensuring complete coverage for a beautiful, burnished finish.
- Slide the prepared strudel into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry achieves a rich, amber-brown complexion and becomes delightfully flaky.
- While the strudel cools, craft a silky glaze by blending powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla until smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Once the strudel has slightly cooled, cascade the sweet glaze across its surface, creating an enticing final flourish.
- Slice the strudel into elegant portions and serve immediately, allowing guests to savor the harmonious blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, easier-to-mix filling that blends seamlessly.
- Drain excess liquid from diced apples to prevent a soggy pastry bottom and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
- Dust the work surface lightly with flour to prevent the delicate puff pastry from sticking without making it dry.
- Egg wash creates a beautiful golden sheen and helps seal the pastry edges, making your strudel look professionally baked.
- Chill the assembled strudel for 10 minutes before baking to help maintain its shape and create a more defined braid.
- For a gluten-free version, swap puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours.
- Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic alternative that maintains sweetness.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for extra crunch and nutty depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Mitchell
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Creation and Testing, Fusion Cuisine, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Kendall College, Chicago, IL
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation.
His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.