Name: Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: For Strudel:; 3 apples; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 4 tbsp sugar; ½ cup almond; 17 oz puff pastry dough; ½ cup cream; water; 1 egg; For Vanilla Pudding Mixture:; 1 pkg vanilla pudding; 1½ cups whole milk; powdered sugar

Indulge in a delightfully light and flaky treat with this recipe for Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels. A delightful blend of tart apples, sweet vanilla and crisp puff pastry, these mini strudels are a delicious and elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Photos of Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe can be easily found in most supermarkets. However, be sure to get the correct kind of puff pastry dough - not phyllo dough which is much thinner and can't hold the filling as well. Similarly, for the vanilla pudding, a dry mix is required which can be found in the baking aisle.

Ingredients for Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

Apples: Not just for snacking, apples add a sweet, tangy flavor to the strudels.

Lemon juice: Adds a citrus note, enhancing the apple's flavor.

Sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples and lemon juice.

Almond: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and crunch.

Puff pastry dough: The light, buttery vessel for our apple mixture.

Cream: Used to coat the pastry for a rich, velvety texture.

Egg: Used as a glaze to give the strudels a golden-brown finish.

Vanilla pudding: Adds a creamy, sweet element to the strudel.

Whole milk: Used in the vanilla pudding mix.

Powdered sugar: For dusting on top, giving a sweet finish.

One reader, Betsey Sharpe says:

These mini vanilla apple strudels are a delightful treat! The combination of sweet apples, crunchy almonds, and creamy vanilla pudding is simply divine. The flaky puff pastry adds the perfect touch. I highly recommend this recipe for a delicious and impressive dessert.

Betsey Sharpe

Key Techniques for Making Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

How to prepare the apple filling: Peel and dice the apples, then mix them with lemon juice, sugar, and almonds in a large bowl.

How to roll out the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry until thin, then cut it into 3 even, long slices.

How to assemble the strudels: Spread the apple mixture on the puff pastry slices, leaving about a 1-inch border. Roll the dough over the apple mixture, pinching the sides to seal.

How to make the vanilla pudding mixture: Mix the vanilla pudding powder with half of the milk, then pour 2 to 3 tablespoons into each strudel.

How to bake the strudels: Brush the strudels with egg wash and bake at 400 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.

How to serve the strudels: Dust the baked strudels with powdered sugar before serving.

How To Make Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

Vanilla and apples complement each other by providing sweetness and tanginess with a bit of an earthy taste in this crunchy vanilla apple strudel dish.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Strudel:

3apples
2tbsplemon juice
4tbspsugar
½cupalmond
17ozpuff pastry dough,(1 box), fresh or frozen
½cupcream,for coating pastry
water,for coating pastry
1egg

For Vanilla Pudding Mixture:

1pkgvanilla pudding,cook and serve, not instant
1½cupswhole milk,or half of the amount in package instructions
powdered sugar,for topping

Instructions

Strudel:

Peel and dice apples and put them in a large bowl. Set apple peel aside for decoration, if desired.
Add lemon juice, sugar, and almonds, and mix.
Roll out half of the puff pastry until thin, and cut into 3 even, long slices. Coat the slices with cream.
Spread ½ the apple mixture on all 3 slices, covering ¾ and leaving about a 1-inch empty at the sides.
Brush all the edges except the bottom one with water.
Roll the dough over the apple mixture from bottom to top, until you have even rolls. Pinch the sides of the rolls to seal them with dough.
Cut rolls in the middle and transfer with the closed side down into a greased muffin pan. Repeat with the second half of puff pastry and apple mixture until there are 12 strudels.

Vanilla Pudding Mixture:

Mix the vanilla powder with ½ of the milk described in the package, usually 1½ cups.
Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons into each strudel.
Spread egg wash over strudels.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
Take strudels out of the pan and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 249.49kcal
Fat: 9.47g
Saturated Fat: 3.55g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.65g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.58g
Carbohydrates: 35.52g
Fiber: 2.93g
Sugar: 13.10g
Protein: 6.54g
Cholesterol: 29.97mg
Sodium: 268.82mg
Calcium: 93.26mg
Potassium: 192.53mg
Iron: 1.54mg
Vitamin A: 61.89µg
Vitamin C: 3.14mg

Crucial Technique Tips for Perfect Mini Apple Strudels

When rolling out your puff pastry, aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This will ensure that your strudels are light and flaky, not doughy. Also, when sealing the edges of your strudels, be sure to press firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. If you find your pastry is too soft or sticky to work with, don't hesitate to chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help to maintain its shape during baking.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

Prep ahead: Prepare the apple filling and vanilla pudding mixture the day before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.

Use store-bought puff pastry: Opt for pre-made puff pastry dough instead of making it from scratch. This will significantly cut down on preparation time.

Assembly line: Set up an assembly line for filling and rolling the strudels to streamline the process and make it more efficient.

Double batch: Consider making a double batch of mini vanilla apple strudels and freeze the extras for future use. This way, you'll have a delicious treat ready to go whenever you need it.

Kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools such as apple peelers, pastry brushes, and muffin pans to expedite the preparation process.

Substitute Ingredients For Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels Recipe

apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness to apples, making them a great substitute in this recipe. They also hold up well when baked.
puff pastry dough - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can be used as a substitute for puff pastry in strudel recipes. It provides a flaky and crispy texture, similar to puff pastry.
almond - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for almonds in this recipe, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunch.
vanilla pudding - Substitute with custard: Custard can be used as a substitute for vanilla pudding, providing a creamy and rich flavor to the strudels.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk, providing a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture to the vanilla pudding mixture.

Presentation Ideas for Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

Elevate the plating: When presenting the mini vanilla apple strudels, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and minimalistic plating to showcase the delicate nature of the strudels.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Utilize a caramel sauce or chocolate ganache to create artistic drizzles on the plate. This adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a pop of color and elegance to the plate by garnishing with delicate and edible flowers, such as orchids or pansies. This adds a refined and luxurious touch to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the strudels to stand out. This creates a sense of balance and sophistication, drawing the eye to the beautifully arranged mini vanilla apple strudels.
Incorporate gold leaf accents: For a touch of opulence, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf accents on the plate. This adds a luxurious and extravagant element to the presentation, perfect for a high-end culinary setting.

Essential Tools for Making Mini Apple Strudels

Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
Knife: Used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients.
Peeler: Used to peel the skin off fruits and vegetables.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing.
Pastry brush: Used for brushing egg wash or butter onto pastries.
Rolling pin: Used to roll out dough for the strudels.
Muffin pan: Used for baking the mini strudels.
Whisk: Used for mixing and blending ingredients.
Baking sheet: Used for baking the strudels in the oven.
Saucepan: Used for preparing the vanilla pudding mixture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Parchment paper: Used for lining the baking sheet.

Storing and Freezing Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

Let the mini vanilla apple strudels cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their crispy texture.
To store the strudels, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the strudels fresh and crisp. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to freeze the strudels, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Then, place the wrapped strudels in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Frozen apple strudels can be stored for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated strudels, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the strudels on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For frozen strudels, you can reheat them directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen strudels on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the puff pastry is crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can thaw the frozen strudels in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will reduce the reheating time in the oven.

How To Reheat Leftover Strudels

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover mini vanilla apple strudels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and the puff pastry is crispy again. This method will help restore the flakiness of the pastry and warm the filling evenly.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the strudels on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and repeat in 10-second intervals if needed. Be aware that microwaving may cause the pastry to become slightly soggy.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey filling, try reheating the strudels in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the strudels in the basket, leaving some space between each one. Heat for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat the mini vanilla apple strudels. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the strudels on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until the pastry is crispy and the filling is warm.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the strudels in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until warmed through. This method will help crisp up the pastry while gently reheating the filling.

Interesting Facts About Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

The mini vanilla apple strudels recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. The vanilla pudding mixture adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the strudels, complementing the crisp and flaky pastry. This recipe is a great way to showcase the versatility of apples in desserts, as they are the star ingredient in this delightful treat. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert, these mini vanilla apple strudels are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Is Making Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels at Home Cost-Effective?

This mini vanilla apple strudels recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of basic ingredients like apples, sugar, and puff pastry dough keeps the cost reasonable. However, the addition of almonds and cream may slightly elevate the overall cost. The incorporation of vanilla pudding adds a delightful touch but can increase the cost marginally. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful dessert option at a reasonable cost. Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $12-$15.

Are Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels Healthy or Unhealthy?

The mini vanilla apple strudels recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The use of puff pastry, which is high in saturated fats, and the addition of sugar and cream, contribute to the overall calorie and fat content of the dish. The redeeming factors are the inclusion of apples, which provide fiber and nutrients, and the almonds, which offer healthy fats and protein.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the puff pastry for a whole wheat or phyllo dough, which are lower in fat and calories
Reduce the amount of sugar used in the filling, or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use a low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative for the vanilla pudding mixture to cut down on saturated fats
Increase the amount of apples used in the filling to boost the fiber content and overall nutritional value
Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients to the filling, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts for added texture and nutrients

Editor's Opinion on This Mini Strudel Recipe

The mini vanilla apple strudels recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, tart apples and fragrant vanilla, encased in flaky puff pastry. The addition of almonds adds a delightful crunch, while the vanilla pudding mixture brings a creamy, indulgent touch. The method of rolling the strudels into individual portions not only makes for a visually appealing presentation but also ensures a perfect ratio of filling to pastry in every bite. The final touch of powdered sugar adds a hint of sweetness and elegance. Overall, this recipe promises a delectable treat that is sure to impress and satisfy any dessert lover.

Enhance Your Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a creamy and flavorful side dish by adding roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes. The rich and savory flavor will complement the sweetness of the mini vanilla apple strudels perfectly.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Elevate your meal with a side of grilled asparagus topped with fresh lemon zest. The bright and citrusy flavors will provide a refreshing contrast to the indulgent sweetness of the mini vanilla apple strudels.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Add a touch of sophistication to your meal with balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts. The tangy and slightly sweet glaze will balance out the richness of the strudels, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Similar Recipes to Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, this savory dish will warm you up from the inside out.

Citrus Grilled Chicken: Tired of the same old grilled chicken? Try this citrus-infused recipe for a burst of flavor. The tangy marinade will take your taste buds on a tropical vacation.

Berry Chia Seed Pudding: Looking for a healthy and delicious dessert? This berry chia seed pudding is the perfect guilt-free treat. Packed with antioxidants and omega-3s, it's a sweet way to end your day.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Mini Apple Strudels

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a refreshing and vibrant starter.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a light and flavorful main course.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a savory filling with ground meat, rice, and a variety of spices. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake until tender. Top with melted cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why trust this Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of vanilla pudding and apples, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors. The use of almonds adds a delightful crunch, while the puff pastry dough promises a flaky and buttery texture. The addition of lemon juice enhances the natural flavors of the apples, and the egg wash gives the strudels a beautiful golden finish. With the incorporation of whole milk and powdered sugar in the vanilla pudding mixture, this recipe guarantees a luscious and indulgent dessert experience.

What did you think of this Mini Vanilla Apple Strudels Recipe? Share your feedback and discuss your experience making this delightful dessert in the Baking and Desserts forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use different types of fruit in this recipe. Pears, peaches, or berries would all work well as substitutes for the apples.

Can I make the strudels ahead of time and reheat them later?

Yes, you can make the strudels ahead of time and reheat them later. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Can I use store-bought vanilla pudding instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! You can use store-bought vanilla pudding instead of making it from scratch. It's a great time-saving option and will still taste delicious.

Can I freeze the strudels for later?

Yes, you can freeze the strudels for later. Once they are baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Can I omit the almonds if I have a nut allergy?

Certainly! If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almonds from the recipe. You can replace them with an equal amount of oats or simply leave them out altogether.