Brie-Stuffed Apple Strudel Recipe

Warm caramelized apples and creamy brie are wrapped in flaky puff pastry to make a simple, elegant apple strudel. This versatile recipe works well for brunch, an appetizer, or a comforting dessert.

Warm caramelized apples & creamy brie cheese wrapped in puff pastry for apple strudel.

This apple strudel with brie is a holiday-ready showstopper that’s easy enough to prepare any time of year. The combination of sweet, buttery caramelized apples, melted creamy brie, and a golden, flaky puff pastry makes a crowd-pleasing dish whether you serve it at a weekend brunch, as a party appetizer, or for dessert.

The top is braided from strips of puff pastry for an attractive finish, but the technique is straightforward and forgiving—no professional baking skills required. Below you’ll find a full ingredient list, clear step-by-step instructions, and practical tips for variations, storage, and serving suggestions.

Table of contents

  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Tips and tricks
  • More Thanksgiving recipes
  • More apple recipes
Braided puff pastry apple strudel with brie.

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 4 oz brie cheese
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (most packages contain two sheets; use one)
  • 1 egg plus 1 tsp water, whisked to make an egg wash

Step-by-step instructions

Prep time and oven temperature: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before assembling.

  1. Caramelize the apples: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced apples and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the pastry: On a large piece of parchment paper, roll the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle if needed. Leave the parchment underneath to make transferring easier.
  3. Create the braided top: Trim a small triangle from the bottom of each side of the dough to shape the ends. On both long sides of the rectangle, cut diagonal strips about 1/2 inch wide, stopping short of the center so the filling stays contained. These strips will be folded across the filling to form a braid.
  4. Assemble: Place the round of brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spoon the caramelized apples on top of the brie, leaving a narrow border of pastry along the edges.
  5. Braid and seal: Fold the short rectangular end over the filling to seal. Starting on one side, fold the first diagonal strip across the filling, then alternate from the opposite side, overlapping the strips to create a braided pattern that encloses the filling.
  6. Egg wash and bake: Carefully transfer the strudel (on its parchment) to a baking sheet. Brush the pastry with the egg wash to encourage a glossy, golden crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  7. Rest and serve: Allow the strudel to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven so the cheese settles slightly. Slice and serve warm.
Sliced apple strudel with melted brie inside.

Tips and tricks

  • Spice it up: Sprinkle 1 tsp ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the apples while they cook for classic autumn flavor.
  • Add crunch: Stir 1/4 cup chopped pecans into the caramelized apples, or top with candied pecans for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Try raisins: For a traditional apfelstrudel note, fold in 2 tbsp golden raisins after cooking the apples.
  • Serving suggestions: Serve a warm slice with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert. For a savory appetizer approach, pair slices with sliced prosciutto or a fresh green salad.
  • Storage and reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven to preserve crispiness; the microwave will warm it quickly but can soften the pastry.
  • Cheese options: Brie is creamy and mild, but cambozola or a triple-cream cheese can be good alternatives if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
Golden puff pastry braid on apple strudel.

More Thanksgiving recipes

If you’re planning a holiday menu, consider adding other crowd-pleasers to the table:

  • Broccoli Cheese Casserole
  • Smoked Turkey Breast
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Everything Bagel Stuffing
  • Sous Vide Turkey Breast

More apple recipes

Love apples? Here are additional recipes to try alongside this strudel:

  • Pumpkin Spice Apple Oatmeal Bars
  • Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
  • Maple Apple Brussels Sprouts
  • Butternut Squash Apple Bruschetta
  • Cranberry Apple Sangria
  • Cinnamon Roll Wreath with Apples

Recipe details

Apple Strudel with Brie — Warm caramelized apples and creamy brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry for an easy, elegant treat.

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep time: 20 minutes (plus pastry thawing)
  • Cook time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Author: Whitney Bond

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 413 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Fat: 29 g (Saturated Fat: 12 g)
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Sugar: 11 g

Enjoy this easy apple strudel with brie for a memorable seasonal treat. Its combination of sweet, buttery apples and rich, melty cheese inside a crisp puff pastry is sure to be a hit at any table.