These apple strudel croissants are like a mini apple pie without a fork! They’re so simple and easy to prepare because you use pre-made pastry dough that cuts the prep time in half. And you end up with a big batch at the end, so you can enjoy these all week long. I recently made them for a tennis league match, and now my teammates have requested them for every home match!
The crumb filling is the best part! It adds a buttery and crumbly texture to the croissants. Softened butter is best to create the perfect crumble, as fully melted butter will give it more of a batter consistency. To quickly achieve softened butter, slice your six tablespoons of butter and lay them on a plate. Microwave on high for 5 seconds, flip each slice over, and microwave for another 5 seconds. The butter should be perfectly softened and pliable enough to create your crumble.
Make sure to peel your apples before slicing and cooking; otherwise, you’ll be picking out the apple skins from your filling. Add your apples, butter, water, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan or pot, and cook on medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the apples cook evenly, and those on the bottom don’t burn. If your apples seem like they’re drying out, add a little water, about a tablespoon at a time. Cooking down your apples and let them cool before covering and putting them in the fridge for 24 hours. Letting the mixture sit overnight brings out a deliciously strong apple-cinnamon flavor.
Finishing these croissants with a glaze is the icing on the cake (or, in this case, croissant!) I also like to sprinkle some chopped pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor, but that’s totally optional!
Apple Strudel Croissants
Ingredients
For the Croissants
- 2 tubes crescent roll dough
- 4-5 apples skinned and sliced
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
For the Crumb Filling
- 6 Tbsp butter sliced
- 2 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 3/4 cup flour
For the Glaze
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 drops pure almond extract
- 1 Tbsp low-fat milk
Optional
- chopped pecans
Instructions
- Skin and slice all of your apples, discarding the core.
- In a medium saucepan or pot, add in your apples, water, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix often and cook on medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, or until apples are soft and cooked down into mostly mush.
- Let your apple mixture cool completely (SEE NOTES).
- Mix together your crumble and let sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- Unroll your pastry dough squares and cut on the perforated lines, creating triangles of dough.
- Spread your apple mixture on each, followed by a small handful of crumble, and then roll each and place onto your baking sheet. Repeat for all croissants.
- Bake for 17 minutes.
- Mix together your glaze. Drizzle generously once the croissants are cooled, sprinkle with pecan pieces, and enjoy!
