Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute obsession with this easy apple cream cheese strudel! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and honestly, I can whip it up in no time. The first time I made it, I was just playing around in the kitchen, trying to use up some apples I had lying around. I mixed cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, folded in the apples, and wrapped it all in buttery puff pastry. The smell that filled my kitchen was unreal! Trust me, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only simple but also bursting with flavor, this is it! It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful easy apple cream cheese strudel. You’ll need:
- 2 cups of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly – I love using Granny Smith for a nice tartness!
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened to room temperature – this makes mixing super easy and creamy.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar – you can adjust this to your taste if you prefer it a bit less sweet.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – this adds a lovely warmth to the filling.
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed – I usually keep a box in my freezer; it’s a game-changer!
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) – this gives the strudel that gorgeous golden color.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – because what’s apple without a hint of cinnamon goodness?
These ingredients come together in such a wonderful way, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
How to Prepare Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps the pastry puff up beautifully, giving you that flaky, golden crust we all love. So, don’t skip this part!
Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, grab your softened cream cheese and mix it together with the sugar and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to make sure everything blends together smoothly. You want this mixture to be creamy and free of lumps—trust me, a smooth filling makes all the difference!
Prepare the Apples
Now, it’s time to add those sliced apples and ground cinnamon to your cream cheese mixture. Gently fold them in until the apples are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens—the cinnamon adds that warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. Yum!
Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a floured surface, carefully roll out your thawed puff pastry. You want it to be about a quarter-inch thick. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little flour on top to prevent sticking. This is where your strudel starts to take shape, so have fun with it!
Assemble the Strudel
Once your pastry is rolled out, spread the apple and cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a little space at the edges. Now, fold the pastry over the filling, tucking in the edges to seal everything inside. I like to pinch the edges together to make sure no filling escapes during baking!
Bake and Serve
Place your assembled strudel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the top with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s puffed and beautifully golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Trust me, the smells wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for a slice!
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy apple cream cheese strudel turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened; this guarantees a smooth filling—no one wants lumps! If your puff pastry feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on your surface while rolling it out. Don’t overfill your strudel; a little goes a long way, and it helps to avoid any messy spills. Finally, let it cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing—this helps the filling set a bit more! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional benefits of this easy apple cream cheese strudel? Here’s the estimated breakdown per slice (and trust me, these are just estimates, but they give you a good idea!):
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
This delightful dessert offers a sweet treat while still being relatively balanced. Just remember, moderation is key when indulging in this deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this easy apple cream cheese strudel is its versatility. Feel free to swap out apples for other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar a bit, especially if you’re using sweeter fruits. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, and you can create a deliciously different strudel every time!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just a heads up, the pastry may lose a bit of its crispiness, but don’t worry! You can always pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to re-crisp it before enjoying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This easy apple cream cheese strudel is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the filling and assemble the strudel, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple preparation – you can have it ready in just 45 minutes!
- Uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Deliciously creamy filling with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Flaky, buttery puff pastry that adds a delightful crunch.
- Versatile recipe – swap out apples for your favorite fruits to create new flavors!
- Impressive enough for guests, yet easy enough for a cozy night in.
- Perfect for any occasion, from holidays to casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this easy apple cream cheese strudel, storing them is a breeze! Just place any uneaten slices in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that lovely flaky texture. You can also microwave a slice for about 30 seconds, but I recommend the oven for that perfect crispiness. Happy snacking!
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Easy Apple Cream Cheese Strudel: 7 Irresistible Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious apple cream cheese strudel recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add sliced apples and cinnamon to the mixture and stir well.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Spread the apple and cream cheese mixture over the pastry.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Add powdered sugar on top for decoration.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy apple cream cheese strudel
