Golden Phyllo Apple Strudel : A Flaky, Sweet, and Easy Dessert You’ll Fall in Love With

There’s something magical about the combination of crisp, buttery pastry and warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. This Phyllo Apple Strudel brings that magic to life in the most delightful way. Made with delicate layers of phyllo dough (also known as filo or philo dough), tart apples, golden raisins, and toasted nuts, this classic dessert is light, flaky, and full of comforting flavor.

If you love phyllo pastry recipes dessert apple creations or want an elegant yet simple pastry to impress guests, this recipe is for you. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, cozy dinners, or when you’re craving something homemade and heartwarming.

For more flaky apple inspiration, don’t miss the Apple Crisp with Oatmeal or Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies—both are perfect companions to this classic strudel.

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Why This Easy Apple Strudel Recipe Works Every Time

This easy apple strudel uses phyllo dough sheets instead of traditional puff pastry, which makes it lighter and quicker to prepare. The result? A crisp, golden exterior that shatters beautifully when sliced, revealing a luscious filling of tender apples, cinnamon, and raisins.

Phyllo pastry absorbs butter perfectly, creating countless crisp layers that surround the juicy apple filling. Best of all, this dessert looks impressive but requires minimal skill—ideal for anyone just starting with phylo pastry recipes.

This strudel is also versatile. You can serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a timeless dessert that’s always in season.

If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also adore the Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert for its warm, spiced aroma and flaky texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Phyllo Apple Strudel

For the Filling:

• 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
• ½ cup golden raisins
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Pastry:

• 10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional: drizzle of honey or caramel sauce

Pro tip: Keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a slightly damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out.

How to Prepare Phyllo Dough for Strudel Perfection

Phyllo dough is ultra-thin and requires gentle handling. Before you begin, thaw your phyllo overnight in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, unroll it on a clean surface and keep the stack covered with a damp towel.

Each sheet should be brushed lightly with melted butter before adding the next layer. This creates those signature flaky, golden layers that make filo dough apple strudel so irresistible.

If you love baking with phyllo, try your hand at the Fillo Crinkle Cake—another show-stopping dessert that’s easier than it looks!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Strudel with Phyllo Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, raisins, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, melted butter, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat evenly.
3. Layer the phyllo: Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean towel or parchment surface. Brush lightly with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top, repeating the process until you have about 8–10 sheets stacked.
4. Add the filling: Spoon the apple mixture along one long edge of the phyllo, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold in the short sides and roll gently into a log, tucking the seam underneath.
5. Bake the strudel: Transfer the roll to the baking sheet, brush the top with butter, and bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and crisp.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the strudel to cool for 10–15 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.

When sliced, you’ll see layers of buttery phyllo encasing tender apples and sweet raisins—a true masterpiece of simplicity and flavor.

For another baked apple delight, check out these Apple Fritter Donuts for a fun twist on classic flavors.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for This Strudel Recipe

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

These simple tools are all you need to make a bakery-quality apple strudel with phyllo dough right in your kitchen.

Tips for Handling Phyllo Dough Like a Pro

1. Thaw completely: Never try to work with frozen phyllo—it tears easily.
2. Keep it moist: Cover unused sheets with a damp towel.
3. Work quickly: Once exposed, phyllo dries within minutes.
4. Brush lightly: Too much butter can make layers soggy.
5. Patch if needed: Small tears won’t matter once rolled and baked.

For more ideas on using phyllo in creative ways, try Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or the Pumpkin Twists—both are simple yet visually stunning desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Filo Dough Apple Strudel

• Skipping the butter layers: Each sheet needs a thin coating for crispness.
• Overstuffing the strudel: Too much filling can cause splitting.
• Low oven temperature: Bake hot and fast for best results.
• Cutting too soon: Allow it to cool slightly for clean slices.

If you’re looking for another foolproof pastry dessert, the Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is just as forgiving and delicious.

Delicious Variations: Apple-Pecan Phyllo Strudel and Beyond

There are endless ways to customize your phyllo apple strudel. Try mixing in chopped pecans or almonds for crunch, or swap the raisins for dried cranberries.

For a richer twist, drizzle honey over the baked strudel and sprinkle with toasted nuts to make an Apple-Pecan Phyllo Strudel. You can even add a little cream cheese or custard filling for extra creaminess.

Craving something similar? The Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies offer that same cozy flavor combo in cookie form.

Serving Ideas for Phyllo Pastry Apple Tarts and Strudels

Serve this phyllo pastry apple tart-style strudel slightly warm, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch presentation, slice it into smaller portions and arrange on a platter with fresh fruit.

It pairs beautifully with vanilla yogurt, Greek honey, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re hosting a fall-themed event, this dessert complements pumpkin-inspired dishes like Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Pumpkin Fluff Dip.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Apple Strudel

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the pastry soft.

You can even freeze unbaked strudels—just wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and bake from frozen for 10 extra minutes.

Perfect Pairings for Apple Strudel With Phyllo Dough

Pair this dessert with a cozy drink like Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew or a refreshing Lavender Lemonade.

For a complete dessert spread, serve alongside Strawberry Cloud Cake or Fillo Crinkle Cake for a mix of fruity and creamy options.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Phylo Pastry Recipes

Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo?
Yes, but phyllo gives a lighter, crispier texture.

What apples work best?
Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Use plant-based butter and skip the honey for a vegan-friendly version.

Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make mini versions?
Absolutely! Cut phyllo into smaller rectangles for individual strudels.

Conclusion + Call to Action: Try This Easy Phyllo Apple Strudel Today!

This Phyllo Apple Strudel is a delightful combination of crispy pastry, tender apples, and sweet spices—a dessert that’s as elegant as it is simple. With just a few ingredients and some phyllo dough, you can create a bakery-quality treat right at home.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and explore more irresistible desserts like Pumpkin Truffles, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars, or Halloween Brownie. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious philo dough dessert recipes you’ll want to bake again and again!

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