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

• Creamy Comfort Meets Fruity Delight: The cream cheese and apple combination creates a perfect balance of rich, smooth texture with bright, sweet-tart fruit flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Bakery-Style Elegance at Home: The stunning braided pastry design transforms a simple dessert into a show-stopping treat that looks professionally crafted, yet is surprisingly easy to make for home bakers.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With just 25 minutes of baking time and simple ingredients, this strudel becomes an effortless dessert for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or unexpected guests craving something special.
• Versatile Dessert Magic: Equally impressive served warm or at room temperature, this strudel works beautifully as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients You Need For Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

• Puff Pastry: Flaky foundation for the strudel, easy to work with and provides delicate layers.
• Flour: Light dusting helps prevent sticking when rolling out pastry.

• Cream Cheese, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Smooth, sweet base for cream cheese layer, enhancing overall richness.
• Apples: Crisp and tart fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness to the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple's natural flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken apple filling and prevent excess moisture.

• Egg, Milk: Creates golden, shiny egg wash for beautiful pastry surface.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze for final touch.

How To Make Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

Step 1: Whip the Creamy Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

• Freshly diced apples
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• All-purpose flour

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

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

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

• Cream Cheese Smoothing Trick: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing for a ultra-smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with sugar and vanilla.
• Apple Selection Strategy: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a delightful flavor contrast to the sweet cream cheese.
• Pastry Handling Hack: Work with cold puff pastry and keep it chilled until just before assembling to maintain its flaky, delicate texture and prevent sticking.
• Braiding Technique Mastery: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create clean, even strips for a professional-looking braided design that impresses everyone at the table.
• Glaze Perfection Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the richness and elevates the overall dessert flavor.

How To Store Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

• Refrigerate: Store leftover strudel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm slices at 325F for 8-10 minutes to restore pastry's crispy texture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Quickly warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the pastry's crispness.
• Freezing Tip: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Drinks To Enjoy With Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Delight: Serve the warm apple cream cheese strudel alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a heavenly contrast between the warm, flaky pastry and the cold, rich cream.
• Elevate with Spiced Beverage Companion: Complement the strudel's warm cinnamon notes with a steaming mug of chai latte or a spiced apple cider, enhancing the dessert's cozy autumn flavors.
• Match with Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the strudel to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that perfectly balances the creamy and sweet filling.
• Boost with Wine Harmony: Enjoy a glass of sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling, which will beautifully highlight the strudel's fruity and creamy elements.

Fun Twists For Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

• Berry Bliss Version: Substitute diced apples with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a tangy and colorful strudel experience.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts over the cream cheese mixture before adding the fruit filling for extra texture and richness.
• Spiced Autumn Rendition: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add a dash of ground nutmeg to create a warm, seasonal flavor profile that captures fall's essence.
• Tropical Dream Spin: Swap apples with diced mangoes and add shredded coconut to the cream cheese mixture for a sweet and exotic dessert that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.

FAQs About Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

• What makes this apple cream cheese strudel different from traditional strudels?

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.

• Do I need special baking skills to make this strudel?

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.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

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.

• Is this strudel best served warm or cold?

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.

Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. In a separate vessel, gently combine diced apples with rich brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and delicate flour, ensuring each apple piece is evenly coated.
3. Warm the kitchen oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal pastry performance.
4. Delicately roll out the puff pastry on a lightly dusted surface, creating a rectangular canvas for your culinary creation.
5. Generously spread the cream cheese mixture along the pastry’s central corridor, maintaining a modest border around the edges.
6. Artfully distribute the spiced apple mixture atop the cream cheese, creating a harmonious layer of flavors.
7. Transform the pastry’s sides by carefully slicing 1-inch parallel strips, leaving the central filling untouched.
8. Elegantly weave the pastry strips across the filling, alternating sides to create an intricate braided pattern that resembles delicate lattice work.
9. Whisk together egg and milk to create a lustrous wash that will give the strudel a golden, glossy exterior.
10. Lovingly brush the egg mixture over the entire pastry surface, ensuring complete coverage for a beautiful, burnished finish.
11. 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.
12. While the strudel cools, craft a silky glaze by blending powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla until smooth and drizzling consistency.
13. Once the strudel has slightly cooled, cascade the sweet glaze across its surface, creating an enticing final flourish.
14. 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