This Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet cinnamon apples and creamy cheesecake filling. Made with store-bought puff pastry, this strudel comes together in no time, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – made with store-bought puff pastry.
- Perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and flaky textures.
- Delicious for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- No special baking skills required!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Butter
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the Strudel:
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice for 5 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a surface and roll out puff pastry sheets.
4. Assemble the Strudel:
- Spread cream cheese mixture down the center of the pastry.
- Top with apple filling.
- Cut slits along the sides and fold over the filling in a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake:
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Glaze & Serve:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over cooled strudel. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Spiced Version: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
- Berry Twist: Swap apples for blueberries or raspberries.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked strudel for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the air fryer.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes! Just reduce the sugar since it’s already sweetened.
2. What’s the best apple to use?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a tart-sweet balance.
3. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Adjust baking time to 15-18 minutes.
4. How do I prevent a soggy strudel?
Let the apple filling cool before assembling and avoid overfilling.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative.
7. What’s the best way to cut the pastry for braiding?
Use a knife or pizza cutter to make even diagonal slits on both sides.
8. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes! A dusting of powdered sugar works as a simple topping.
9. Can I add raisins?
Yes! Mix them into the apple filling for extra sweetness.
10. How do I get a golden, flaky crust?
Brush the pastry with egg wash before baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel is a flaky, creamy, and fruity pastry that’s quick to make with store-bought puff pastry. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this deliciously simple treat is sure to impress. Try it today for a bakery-quality treat at home!
PrintEasy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
This Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel is a flaky, golden-brown pastry filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy cheesecake filling. Made with store-bought puff pastry, this simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with coffee!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Strudel:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
- In another bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
Step 2: Assemble the Strudel
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center, leaving about 1 inch on the edges.
- Top with the apple mixture, spreading evenly.
Step 3: Create the Braided Look
- Cut 1-inch strips on both sides of the pastry, leaving the center intact.
- Fold the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern to create a braided effect.
Step 4: Bake
- In a small bowl, whisk egg and milk. Brush over the pastry for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Step 5: Glaze & Serve
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Drizzle over the warm strudel, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Apple Swap: Try pears or berries for a different fruit filling.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 1 day, then bake fresh.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.