Delicious & Easy Apple Pumpkin Strudel: Your Ultimate Fall Puff Pastry Dessert
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this incredibly soft and sweet Apple Pumpkin Strudel, crafted with delicate puff pastry. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, baked to perfection with fresh apples and sugar. Whether you’re planning a delightful brunch or seeking a comforting dessert, this irresistible apple pumpkin pastry is an absolute must-have for the Fall season, and truly, whenever your pumpkin cravings strike!
I remember back in 2015 when I first embarked on making this recipe. It was a new adventure for me, particularly because it was my very first time working with puff pastry. What an incredible discovery that was! As many of you who have followed my culinary journey know, it certainly wasn’t my last encounter with this versatile dough. Puff pastry transforms a simple idea into something truly special, perfect for elevating a leisurely weekend morning or a festive holiday spread. In this delightful strudel, the flaky puff pastry cradles a luscious filling of spiced apples and pumpkin, baked until it achieves a glorious golden-brown hue and a beautifully crisp exterior. A sweet vanilla glaze, drizzled generously over the warm pastry, adds the finishing touch, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
The Comforting Allure of Apple Pumpkin Pastry
This apple pumpkin strudel quickly became one of my absolute favorite pumpkin dessert recipes. It’s bursting with the sweetest notes and comforting flavors that are sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Imagine serving this warm, baked turnover alongside your favorite steaming cup of coffee, a soothing mug of tea, or a tall glass of cool milk. It’s the perfect addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. For an extra indulgent treat, we love pairing this strudel with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. The warm pastry melting into the cool cream is simply divine!
While this strudel shares some similarities with an apple pumpkin coffee cake, its distinct filling of sweet baked apples sets it apart. Both are undeniably delicious, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about the delicate layers of puff pastry enveloping the rich apple and pumpkin mixture. It’s a treat we truly can’t get enough of, year after year.
Do you want to fill your home with the intoxicating, spicy and warm notes of apple and pumpkin? This recipe does more than just deliver incredible flavors; it creates an aromatic experience that perfectly encapsulates the wonderful essence of autumn. The scent alone is enough to transport you to a cozy fall day, making your kitchen the heart of seasonal comfort. This homemade apple pumpkin pastry is a sensory delight that everyone will adore.
We eagerly anticipate making this recipe every single year. Each time I prepare it, it somehow seems to become even more delicious and utterly satisfying. The strudel’s super moist filling and flaky pastry make it incredibly easy to pull apart and enjoy, offering a delightful texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. It’s truly a timeless fall classic that never disappoints.
Why You Will Absolutely Love This Apple Pumpkin Strudel Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Apple Pumpkin Strudel will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. It embodies everything you love about fall baking: simplicity, incredible flavor, and heartwarming comfort.
- Sweet & Spiced Perfection: Prepare to fall in love with the perfect balance of sweetness in this apple pumpkin strudel. Natural sugars from the tender baked apples caramelize into the fluffy puff pastry, creating a rich, cinnamon-infused sweetness that’s utterly irresistible. The addition of nutmeg, allspice, and ginger elevates the flavor profile, making it deeply comforting and perfectly seasoned for the cooler months.
- Family-Friendly Delight: This yummy treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Who could possibly resist a warm pumpkin and apple pastry, generously adorned with a sweet sugar glaze? It’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, bringing smiles to everyone at the table and making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
- Effortlessly Easy: Don’t let the elegant appearance fool you—this recipe is incredibly simple! It requires very few steps, making it accessible for almost any home baker, regardless of experience level. The secret lies in using store-bought puff pastry, which dramatically cuts down on prep time and effort, allowing you to achieve bakery-quality results with minimal fuss. This quick and easy approach means you can enjoy a homemade strudel without the traditional complexities.
- Aromatic Autumn Experience: Beyond its delicious taste, this strudel fills your entire home with the most incredible aromas of fall. As it bakes, the warm scents of cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin waft through your house, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s truly an aromatherapy session disguised as baking!
- Versatile Serving Options: This strudel is fantastic on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Enjoy it with a hot beverage, a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s suitable for various occasions, from a casual weekend treat to a special holiday dessert.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Pumpkin Strudel
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable fall dessert. You’ll be pleased to find that most are pantry staples or easily accessible at your local grocery store.
- Puff Pastry: This is your shortcut to an amazing strudel! You can readily find puff pastry dough in the frozen section of most well-stocked grocery stores, typically located near the bread, pie crusts, or frozen desserts. Thaw it according to package directions before use for best results. Its flaky layers are what make this strudel so incredibly light and satisfying.
- Apples: Any variety of fresh apples will work beautifully here! I often lean towards a mix of sweet and crispy varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala, perhaps with a tart Granny Smith mixed in for balance. The key is to dice them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and integrate well into the filling.
- Sugar: You’ll need both white granulated sugar for the apple-pumpkin filling, providing sweetness and helping the apples soften, and white powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) for crafting that irresistible sweet vanilla glaze.
- Warm Spices: These are the heart of the fall flavor! Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger come together to create that quintessential warm and comforting aroma and taste. If you happen to have whole spices, you can grate them fresh using a microplane or a food processor for an even more intense flavor profile. A good quality spice blend can truly elevate your strudel.
- Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin purée is my go-to for its convenience and consistent texture, making this recipe quick and easy. However, if you have the time and desire, feel free to use homemade pumpkin purée for an even fresher taste. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Water or Bourbon: Water is used in the filling (optional) to slightly loosen things up if the mixture becomes too thick during cooking, ensuring a perfect consistency. It’s also a key ingredient in the icing recipe. For an elevated, adult-friendly dessert, consider substituting a splash of your favorite bourbon in the glaze for a sophisticated flavor twist.
How to Create This Sweet Apple Pumpkin Pastry: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll be amazed at how straightforward and simple these steps are! This recipe is designed to be hard to mess up, ensuring a delightful baking experience even for novice bakers.
FIRST STEP – PREPARE THE APPLES AND PUMPKIN FILLING
Before you begin, ensure your puff pastry is partially thawed. This is crucial as it needs to be pliable enough to work with, but still cold enough to maintain its structure. While the pastry thaws, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C) and prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add your freshly chopped apples. Allow them to cook down gently for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps them to soften slightly, ensuring a tender filling. Next, incorporate the granulated sugar, all your warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger), and the pumpkin purée. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is fragrant. If you find the consistency too thick, you can add a splash of water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a desired, looser consistency.
SECOND STEP – ASSEMBLE THE PUFF PASTRY STRUDEL
Carefully unroll your thawed puff pastry sheets. If using two sheets, place them together lengthwise on your parchment-lined baking sheet, gently pinching the seams together to form one larger, cohesive piece of pastry. This creates a larger canvas for your delicious filling. Next, spoon the prepared apple and pumpkin filling down the center of the pastry sheet. Spread it out evenly, leaving a border of pastry on both sides. This border will be folded over to encase the filling.
With gentle hands, carefully bring the long sides of the puff pastry over the filling, meeting in the middle. You can choose to leave a slight opening in the very center of the filling exposed for a rustic look, or fully enclose it. Firmly pinch the pastry together at the top and bottom edges to seal the strudel, preventing any filling from escaping during baking. Ensure all edges are securely crimped.
THIRD STEP – BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION
Carefully transfer your assembled apple pumpkin strudel, still on the parchment paper, to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible, fragrant aroma. The golden color indicates a perfectly baked, flaky crust. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking, which can make the pastry less tender.
FOURTH STEP – MIX AND DRIZZLE THE GLAZE
While your strudel is baking or immediately after it comes out of the oven, prepare your simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water (or bourbon, if you’re making an adult version) until smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the pastry. As soon as the danish is out of the oven and still warm, generously spoon or drizzle the glaze over the top. The warmth of the strudel will help the glaze set perfectly, adding a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Serve this delightful strudel warm for the ultimate comfort food experience, or enjoy it at room temperature. Either way, this homemade treat is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Love This Apple Turnover Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Be sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest board, especially as the holidays and chilly months approach. This apple pumpkin strudel is truly a fall dessert that you will want to make year after year. Pin it now so you can easily find it when your next pumpkin craving hits or when you’re planning your festive baking!
Expert Tips for the Best Apple Pumpkin Strudel
Achieving a perfect strudel every time is easy with these helpful tips:
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your strudel during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can result in a dry, hard crust rather than the desired soft, flaky texture. Look for that beautiful golden-brown color as your indicator that it’s done.
- Enjoy Fresh for Optimal Results: While delicious at any temperature, this strudel is truly at its best when enjoyed warm, soon after it comes out of the oven. The pastry is flakiest and the filling is at its most aromatic and tender.
- Proper Storage for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days. To refresh, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave.
- Elevate with Toppings: For an extra layer of decadence, serve your warm strudel with a dollop of Cool Whip or a swirl of freshly made whipped cream. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a nice touch.
- Creative Fruit Substitutions: While apples and pumpkin are a classic pairing, don’t hesitate to experiment! Instead of apples, consider using ripe, firm pears for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, autumnal flavor profile. You could also add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Customize Your Spices: Adjust the spice levels to your preference. If you love a bolder ginger flavor, add a little extra. For an even more intense fall spice, consider a pinch of ground cloves.
- Bourbon Glaze Enhancement: For an adult-friendly twist, swap out a portion of the water in your glaze for bourbon. The subtle notes of bourbon beautifully complement the apple and pumpkin, adding depth and complexity.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Pumpkin Strudel
This versatile apple pumpkin strudel is a fantastic addition to any meal or celebration. We particularly love enjoying it for a relaxed weekend brunch or as a show-stopping holiday dessert. Its comforting flavors pair wonderfully with a variety of tasty accompaniments:
- Breakfast & Brunch: Serve warm slices with your morning coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. It’s perfect alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a sweet and savory balance.
- Dessert Perfection: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream creates an indulgent contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
- Holiday Gatherings: Its festive flavors make it an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall celebration. It’s a lighter alternative to pie but equally satisfying.
- Afternoon Treat: A simple slice warmed up in the afternoon with a cup of hot cider or a spiced chai latte is pure bliss.
Other Fall Favorite Sweets You Will Enjoy
If you’ve loved this apple pumpkin strudel, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful fall-inspired baking recipes from our collection:
- Fresh Apple Cake: A moist and flavorful cake brimming with tender apple pieces.
- Apple Bars: Easy-to-make, sweet apple bars perfect for a crowd.
- Pumpkin Pie Turnovers: All the classic flavors of pumpkin pie, conveniently wrapped in a flaky pastry.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bars: A decadent combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin.
- Sweet Pumpkin Pie Croissant Bundles: Flaky croissants filled with a sweet pumpkin mixture for a quick and impressive treat.
- Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce: A simple, comforting classic that celebrates the natural sweetness of apples.
Ready to fill your home with the enchanting aromas of fall and indulge in this delightful apple pumpkin pastry? Let’s get baking!
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Print Recipe
Apple Pumpkin Strudel
Equipment
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KitchenAid Gourmet Rolling Pin, One Size, Red
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 3 cups apple diced
- 6 Tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- pinch of allspice
- pinch of ginger
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry
- 1/3 cup water optional
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 6-8 Tablespoons water or substitute bourbon for an adult dessert
Instructions
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Partially thaw puff pastry.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add apples and let them cook down for about 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Add in sugar, spices and pumpkin stir. If you feel the consistency is too thick, you can add in the water to loosen the mixture.
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Place the puff pastry sheets together lengthwise, pinching the seams together to keep them secured.
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Spoon the apple filling down the center and spread out evenly.
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Carefully bring the sides of the puff pastry over, leaving the very center exposed. Pinch together at the top and bottom.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
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Mix together glaze ingredients, and drizzle over the strudel while warm.
Nutrition
This recipe for Apple Pumpkin Strudel was originally posted on April 15, 2015. It was meticulously updated to enhance user experience, provide more detailed information, and was reshared on October 16, 2021.
I initially shared this beloved recipe as a special introduction to a new book series penned by a dear fellow food blogger friend. Her inspiring book series featured a collection of wonderful recipes, and to celebrate the release of her books, I chose to highlight one of the recipes that truly captured my heart. This particular strudel recipe, then known as Aunt Anna’s Apple Pumpkin Strudel, was a standout from Terra’s book, Catch Me. It’s a testament to the power of shared recipes and culinary friendships. If you’re interested in discovering more delightful creations, you can get your copy of Catch Meon Amazon and explore more of her fantastic recipes!