Name: Apple Cinnamon Maple Puff Pastry Strudel with Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: European
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 from 81 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with warm autumn flavors and flaky, buttery goodness, then you absolutely must try this Apple Cinnamon Maple Puff Pastry Strudel with Glaze Recipe. It combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with the irresistible crispness of puff pastry, all drizzled with a sweet, luscious maple glaze. It’s the kind of treat that feels both cozy and elegant—perfect for impressing guests or simply savoring on a quiet weekend. Once you make this strudel, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular piece of pale dough laid flat on a wooden surface with a slight dusting of flour. The dough has been sliced into long thin strips along the left and right sides but remains solid in the center. On top of the solid center, there is a mound of small, glossy, cubed apple pieces mixed with a thick caramel-colored sauce, forming a thick layer. Two green apples sit at the upper left corner of the image, and a white and turquoise checkered cloth is partially visible on the right edge. The wooden surface beneath the dough has a striped grain pattern, but the background should be imagined as a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a vital role in making this strudel sing with flavor. From tart apples that bring brightness to the dish, to the aromatic cinnamon and a touch of maple sweetness, these simple components come together to create an unforgettable taste and delightful texture.

4 cups Granny Smith apples: Providing the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, these apples hold their shape well when cooked.
2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Adds zing and prevents the apples from browning, keeping the filling fresh and bright in color.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Infuses a deep sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to soften the tart apples.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that brings warmth and comfort to the strudel filling.
2 Tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it stays perfectly gooey inside the crispy pastry.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors for a well-rounded taste.
2 Tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps the apples soften gracefully during sautéing.
2 Tablespoons maple syrup: Delivers a natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
1 17.3 ounce package frozen puff pastry: Creates that flaky, golden crust that’s central to this strudel’s irresistible texture.
1 egg: Used for the egg wash, it ensures a shiny and golden finish on the pastry.
1 Tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg for an even, easy-to-brush wash.
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Forms the base of the sweet, smooth glaze that crowns the strudel.
2 Tablespoons heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
2 teaspoons maple syrup: Gives the glaze extra depth and ties it flavor-wise to the filling.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a gentle floral aroma for a subtle complexity.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Maple Puff Pastry Strudel with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—this step ensures your strudel will bake evenly and crisp perfectly without sticking. In a large bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant. Then add brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt, mixing well. This combination forms the flavorful and thickened apple filling that will be the heart of your strudel.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter, giving the filling a rich start. Add the apple mixture and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so the apples soften slightly and the mixture thickens beautifully. Stir in the maple syrup toward the end for that signature sweetness. Then remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool a bit to avoid melting your puff pastry when assembling.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll each thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 12 by 10 inches. Spoon half of the cooled apple filling down the center of each sheet, leaving about a 1.5-inch border on all sides. This spacing gives you room to fold and braid the pastry without losing any filling.

Step 4: Braid and Seal the Strudel

Cut diagonal slits about an inch apart along both sides of the rectangular pastry. Begin folding alternating strips over the apple filling, creating a delicious braided look that is as beautiful as it is functional. Tuck in the ends to seal the filling completely inside. This helps keep all those sweet, juicy apples nestled securely during baking.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash, then gently brush it over the entire surface of each strudel. This step ensures a golden, glossy crust once baked. Place the strudels on your prepared baking sheets and pop them into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown that makes you want to dive right in.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

While your strudels cool slightly on a rack, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Drizzle this maple glaze generously over the warm strudels for that finishing touch of sweetness and shine. The glaze melts lightly into the top layer, lending an elegant flavor and presentation to your homemade treat.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Maple Puff Pastry Strudel with Glaze Recipe

The image shows organized baking ingredients on a wooden textured surface. On the left side, there are four bright green apples grouped together. To the right of the apples, there is a small white patterned dish holding two small squares of pale yellow butter, and below it is a small white bowl with white powder. Next to that, there's a larger folded sheet of pale yellow dough or pastry on the right edge. Below the pastry are small white bowls arranged in an arc: one with white powder, one with light brown sugar, one with a small amount of white liquid, another with a small amount of beige liquid, and another with a brown liquid, possibly vanilla extract. There is also a single brown egg near the bottom right. The whole setup is neat, with clear separation of each ingredient, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted pecans over the glaze for added texture and festive appeal. A few fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors.

Side Dishes

This strudel pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream—both balance the warm spices perfectly. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the cinnamon and maple notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the strudel into individual portions and arrange them on a rustic wooden board with clusters of fresh berries and apple slices. For a party, serve mini strudel bites by slicing the full strudel into smaller squares and piping a bit of whipped cream on top, garnished with a drizzle of extra maple syrup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover strudel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. The pastry might lose a bit of its crispness but will still taste delicious when warmed up.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked, cooled strudel by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Frozen properly, it keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat while preserving crispiness, place the strudel on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and golden. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples instead of Granny Smith?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness and hold together well, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples for a sweeter or more complex flavor. Just keep in mind that softer apples may break down more during cooking.

Is it possible to make this strudel without puff pastry?

Puff pastry is key to achieving that flaky, buttery texture, but you could try using phyllo dough for a lighter crisp. Just be sure to layer the phyllo properly and brush with butter between sheets to avoid dryness.

How thick should I roll the puff pastry?

Rolling it out to about 12 by 10 inches keeps the pastry thin enough to bake evenly and crisp up, but thick enough to hold the filling without breaking.

Can I prepare the apple filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before assembling the strudel so it doesn’t affect the puff pastry texture.

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. Each will impart a slightly different sweetness but will still complement the flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Apple Cinnamon Maple Puff Pastry Strudel with Glaze Recipe that makes it a crave-worthy centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself, the combination of flaky pastry, spiced apples, and rich maple glaze is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.