Apple strudel is a timeless dessert loved by many, and turning it into a vegan delight is easier than you might think. This traditional Austrian pastry, filled with tender, spiced apples wrapped in flaky, golden dough, can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply seeking a wholesome treat without eggs or dairy, this recipe combines classic flavors with compassionate ingredients.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a detailed apple strudel recipe that uses plant-based alternatives while maintaining that authentic, comforting taste. From the sweet, cinnamon-kissed apple filling to the perfectly crisp pastry, you’ll learn every step to create this show-stopping dessert at home.
Plus, I’ll share tips on making the dough easy to handle and variations to customize your strudel.
So, let’s dive into this delicious vegan apple strudel recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan apple strudel recipe is a wonderful blend of tradition and modern plant-based cooking. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite:
- Authentic taste: The spiced apple filling with cinnamon, raisins, and a touch of lemon juice offers that classic strudel flavor.
- Flaky vegan pastry: The dough is made without butter or eggs yet still achieves a light, crispy texture.
- Simple ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to prepare anytime.
- Customizable: You can swap nuts, dried fruits, or spices to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a family dinner, or a cozy weekend treat, this strudel fits perfectly.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- For the filling:
- 5 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or a tart variety), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil (for brushing)
- For dusting:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Clean kitchen towel or parchment paper (for stretching dough)
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Brush for applying vegan butter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil, warm water, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and coat lightly with oil.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature. This resting step helps the dough stretch easily.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, raisins, chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss well to mix evenly.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a clean, floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 16×20 inches). Then, carefully stretch the dough further using the backs of your hands under a clean kitchen towel to avoid tearing. Aim for a thin, almost translucent sheet.
- Brush dough with vegan butter: Lightly brush the entire surface of the dough with melted vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the dough; this helps absorb excess moisture from the apples.
- Add the apple filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border on all sides.
- Roll the strudel: Using the towel to support, carefully roll the dough from the long edge, tucking in the sides as you go to form a tight log.
- Seal and transfer: Pinch the edges to seal and transfer the strudel seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush top with vegan butter: Generously brush the top with more melted vegan butter to ensure a golden, crisp crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the strudel is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Let the strudel cool for 10-15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.
Tips & Variations
Stretching the dough thinly is key to an authentic strudel texture — patience and gentle hands will reward you with flaky perfection.
- Nut substitutes: Swap walnuts for almonds or omit if allergic.
- Dried fruit options: Try dried cranberries or chopped dates in place of raisins.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add xanthan gum if needed.
- Sweetener alternatives: Maple syrup or agave can replace sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for extra warmth.
- Make it mini: Divide the dough and filling to make individual strudels for parties or snacks.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 6g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 22g |
Serving Suggestions
Apple strudel is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
- Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or dust with extra powdered sugar.
- Pair with a cup of hot chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy treat.
- For an indulgent twist, drizzle with vegan caramel sauce.
Conclusion
This vegan apple strudel recipe brings together the best of tradition and compassionate cooking in one spectacular dessert. With its flaky, golden crust and aromatic, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, you’ll find it hard to believe it’s completely plant-based.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this strudel is sure to impress and satisfy.
By following the simple steps and tips shared here, anyone can master the art of strudel-making at home. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love trying other comforting vegan desserts like our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the delightful Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe.
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your homemade vegan apple strudel!
📖 Recipe Card: Apple Strudel Recipe Vegan
Description: A delicious and flaky vegan apple strudel filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and raisins. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H10M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp vegan margarine, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, salt, water, and oil to form a dough; knead until smooth.
- Let dough rest for 20 minutes covered.
- In a bowl, combine apples, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface into a thin rectangle.
- Brush dough with melted margarine and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly.
- Spread apple mixture over the dough, leaving edges clear.
- Carefully roll up the dough and seal edges.
- Place strudel seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Brush top with remaining margarine.
- Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 48 g
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