Vegan Apple Strudel (Mini Version)

You know those times when dessert sounds like a great idea, but spending hours in the kitchen doesn’t? Enter this vegan apple strudel recipe. Puff pastry does all the heavy lifting here—flaky, golden, and ready to go. Toss in some cinnamon-sweet apples, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that feels way more impressive than the effort you put in (which, let’s be real, is what we all need sometimes).

Sure, they’ve got that cozy, warm apple-cinnamon thing going on, but don’t box these up as just a fall treat. Whether it’s a summer afternoon snack or a last-minute addition to your winter movie marathon, these strudels are always ready to shine. And bonus—they’re quick enough that dessert can happen anytime the craving hits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan apple strudel recipe isn’t just easy; it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a little win every time. You get the satisfaction of pulling something golden and delicious out of the oven, without the stress of a complicated recipe. Here’s what makes this baking recipe a keeper:

• Effortless But Impressive: With vegan puff pastry doing the hard work, you can focus on the fun part—assembling and enjoying. They look fancy, but we’ll keep that part our little secret.
• Perfectly Portable: These bite-sized strudels are made for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re heading to a vegan picnic or cozying up at home, they travel well and taste even better.
• Not Just For Fall: Apples and cinnamon are a classic combo, but don’t sleep on these year-round. From brunch to dessert, they bring warm, comfort food flavors anytime you want them.
• Quick Enough For Busy Days: No need to block off your entire afternoon. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have fresh-baked goodness in no time.
• Endlessly customizable: Add a sprinkle of nuts, a drizzle of syrup, or a dollop of vegan whipped cream. Whatever your topping game is, these strudels are a blank canvas.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what makes this vegan apple strudel so irresistible. Each ingredient brings its own magic, creating the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll be working with:

• Puff Pastry Sheet: The secret to a flaky, golden crust that’s light and crisp without any fuss. It’s your go-to for making these strudels come together effortlessly.
• Pink Lady Apples: With their perfect balance of sweetness and a little tartness, these apples hold their shape beautifully when baked, giving you that juicy, tender apple filling in every bite.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice that transforms simple apples into something warm and inviting. It adds that comforting, familiar flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
• Sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the apples without overpowering them. It caramelizes slightly during baking, creating a lightly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
• Walnuts (optional): Looking for a little crunch? Add some crushed walnuts for texture and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft apples and crisp pastry.

How To Make

These vegan apple strudels are quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dessert ready before you know it. For the full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post!

• Step 1: Preheat Your Oven – Set it to 350°F. Time to get things going.
• Step 2: Shape The Pastry – Cut your puff pastry into circles and press them into muffin tins to create adorable little cups.
• Step 3: Cook The Filling – Dice the Pink Lady apples and cook them with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of coconut oil until they’re tender and fragrant.
• Step 4: Fill The Cups – Spoon the apple mixture into the pastry cups. Almost there!
• Step 5: Bake – Pop them in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the apples are soft.
• Step 6: Add a finishing touch – If you like, sprinkle with crushed walnuts for a little extra crunch.

How To Serve

Once your vegan apple strudel is out of the oven, you’ve got options—lots of them. Whether you’re keeping it simple or getting creative, these little pastries are perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun ways to serve them up:

• Top With Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch to balance the warm, spiced apples.
• Pair With Vegan Ice Cream: Serve your strudels alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or any favorite plant-based variety for that hot-and-cold contrast everyone loves.
• Great For Sharing: These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings. Bring a tray to a party or make them with friends for a fun, hands-on dessert activity.
• Perfect For A Cozy Brunch: Serve these warm out of the oven as part of a weekend brunch spread. They’re easy to eat and a nice alternative to the usual pastries.
• Customize Your Toppings: Let everyone dress their own strudel! Offer crushed nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar so guests can make it their own.