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Crispy Apple Strudel Recipe with Easy Homemade Vanilla Cream Sauce

crispy apple strudel - featured image
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A simple and comforting dessert featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, served with a smooth vanilla cream sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings and quick homemade indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large apples (about 800g / 1.75 lbs), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup (40g) raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8x8 inches / 20x20 cm), thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until apples soften but hold shape. Remove from heat, stir in raisins or walnuts if using, and cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour surface and roll thawed puff pastry into a 12×10 inch (30×25 cm) rectangle. Transfer to baking sheet. Brush entire surface with beaten egg.
  4. Assemble the strudel: Spoon cooled apple filling evenly across center, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) free on all sides. Fold sides over filling and roll pastry from one long edge to encase filling. Pinch seams to seal. Brush outside with egg wash and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar.
  5. Bake strudel for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Check after 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  6. Make vanilla cream sauce: In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Warm over medium heat until simmering. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  7. Serve: Slice strudel into pieces and drizzle with warm vanilla cream sauce.

Notes

Cool the apple filling completely before assembling to avoid soggy pastry. Use egg wash generously for a golden, glossy crust. Watch oven temperature carefully to prevent burning. Whisk cream sauce constantly after adding cornstarch to avoid lumps. Serve cream sauce warm or at room temperature. Puff pastry should be thawed but cold for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple strudel, vanilla cream sauce, crispy pastry, cinnamon apples, easy dessert, homemade strudel, puff pastry dessert

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/crispy-apple-strudel-recipe-with-easy-homemade-vanilla-cream-sauce/