Servings: 6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
Introduction
This beloved My Grandma’s Apple Strudel recipe is the kind of dessert that instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, holiday dinners, and cozy afternoons spent in Grandma’s kitchen. Unlike traditional rolled European strudel, this version features two layers of incredibly flaky homemade pastry filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Baked in a large jelly roll pan, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd and makes an excellent dessert for potlucks, holidays, family reunions, and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with sweet cinnamon apples
- Buttery, flaky homemade crust
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for holidays and gatherings
- Easy to make ahead
- Delicious warm or cold
- Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze
What Makes This Strudel Special?
This family-style American apple strudel uses a tender pastry dough instead of traditional paper-thin strudel dough. The result is a dessert that’s easier to prepare while still delivering incredible flavor and texture.
The apples become soft and syrupy during baking, while the crust turns golden and flaky.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Crust
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ cups shortening
- 2 egg yolks
- Cold water (enough to equal 1 cup with yolks)
- 1 egg white, reserved
Icing/Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or light cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Best Apples for Apple Strudel
The best apples for this recipe include:
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- Fuji
- Pink Lady
- Braeburn
- Jonagold
Using a combination of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter
- Jelly roll pan (10×15-inch)
- Small whisk
- Cooling rack
How to Make My Grandma’s Apple Strudel
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl combine:
- Apples
- Sugar
- Flour
- Cinnamon
Mix thoroughly until every slice is coated.
Allow the mixture to rest while preparing the dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl whisk together:
- Flour
- Salt
- Sugar
Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Place the egg yolks into a measuring cup.
Add cold water until the mixture reaches 1 cup.
Mix into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Step 4: Roll the Bottom Crust
Roll one dough portion into a rectangle large enough to fit a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
Transfer carefully to the pan.
Press lightly into the bottom and slightly up the sides.
Step 5: Add the Apples
Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Ensure apples are distributed evenly throughout the pan.
Step 6: Add the Top Crust
Roll the second dough portion into a rectangle.
Place it over the apples.
Seal the edges by pinching the dough together.
Brush the top with the reserved egg white.
Cut several small vents into the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes.
The crust should be deeply golden and the filling bubbly.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and pourable.
Step 9: Glaze the Strudel
While still warm, drizzle the glaze over the entire pastry.
Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success
Use Cold Ingredients
Cold water helps create a tender, flaky pastry.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Allowing the apples to rest helps develop flavor and natural juices.
Vent the Top Crust
Steam vents prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Cool Before Cutting
Cooling allows the filling to set and creates cleaner slices.
Variations & Substitutions
Apple Raisin Strudel
Add ½ cup raisins to the filling.
Caramel Apple Strudel
Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished dessert.
Apple Walnut Strudel
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Extra Spice
Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves.
Mixed Fruit Strudel
Combine apples with pears or peaches.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the entire strudel up to one day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Alternatively, bake completely and store until serving.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze baked and cooled strudel for up to 3 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What to Serve with Apple Strudel
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Hot coffee
- Tea
- Cinnamon ice cream
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm water in the dough
- Overworking the pastry
- Skipping steam vents
- Cutting before cooling
- Underbaking the crust
- Using overly soft apples
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, although homemade crust provides the best texture and flavor.
Which apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady are excellent choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It can be prepared a day ahead and baked later.
Why is my filling runny?
The apples may have released extra moisture or the strudel may not have cooled long enough.
Can I freeze apple strudel?
Yes. It freezes very well for up to 3 months.
Should it be served warm or cold?
Both are delicious, but slightly warm is especially wonderful.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or pecans pair beautifully with the apples.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
Final Thoughts
My Grandma’s Apple Strudel is the kind of timeless recipe that never goes out of style. With its flaky homemade crust, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and delicate vanilla glaze, every bite tastes like comfort and tradition. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration or simply craving an old-fashioned homemade dessert, this apple strudel is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
