Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

Apple Cream Cheese Strudel

This Apple Cream Cheese Strudel features flaky golden pastry wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet fruit preserves. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a bakery-style dessert that’s crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside.

🍽 Yield

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Bake Time: 35 minutes

Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk

Apple Filling

• 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp sour cream

Fruit Layer

• ⅓ cup raspberry or cherry preserves

Optional Streusel Topping

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cold butter
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Garnish

• Powdered sugar
• Thin apple slices
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples begin to soften.
4. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir until the juices thicken.
5. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 2 – Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and sour cream.
3. Mix until light and creamy.

Step 3 – Assemble the Strudel

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3. Roll the puff pastry into a rectangle about 10 × 14 inches (25 × 35 cm).
4. Spread the cream cheese filling down the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
5. Spoon the cooled apple mixture over the cream cheese.
6. Dollop the raspberry or cherry preserves over the apples.
7. Fold the long sides over the filling, then fold in the ends to seal.
8. Place the strudel seam-side down on the prepared baking tray.

Step 4 – Add the Topping

1. Brush the pastry with the egg wash (egg mixed with milk).
2. If using streusel, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and chopped nuts until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle evenly over the pastry.
4. Score a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5 – Bake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown and crisp.
2. Cool on the baking tray for 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 6 – Serve

Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

Chef’s Tips

• Allow the apple filling to cool completely before assembling to keep the pastry crisp.
• Chill the assembled strudel for 10–15 minutes before baking for flakier layers.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
• Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking.
• A serrated knife makes cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Salted caramel sauce
• Hot caramel latte
• Chai tea
• Fresh coffee

Storage

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 220 mg

This Apple Cream Cheese Strudel combines buttery, flaky pastry with silky cheesecake filling, warmly spiced apples, and sweet berry preserves. Every slice delivers a perfect contrast of crisp pastry, creamy filling, and tender fruit, making it an elegant dessert for holidays, brunches, or any special occasion.