Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry that reveals a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth. These irresistible Apple Desserts with Puff Pastry are not just a recipe—they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet treat that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned chef, this dessert promises to impress with its elegant appearance and mouthwatering flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheets by leaving them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until pliable. Once thawed, gently unfold the sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss the mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- Take one sheet of puff pastry and cut it into squares or rectangles, about 4x4 inches in size. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry. You should have enough pieces to create 8 individual desserts.
- Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, making sure to leave some space around the edges for folding. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastries to burst during baking.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square over the apple filling to create a pocket or envelope shape. Press the edges firmly to seal them. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden color while baking. This egg wash will also help to seal the edges.
- Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for expansion during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not over-bake.
- Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This will help them set and make them easier to handle.
- Before serving, dust the warm pastries with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. These apple desserts can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve the pastries as a delightful dessert option, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Tips
- Always use cold, thawed puff pastry to ensure maximum flakiness and rise during baking.
- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Don't overfill your pastry squares to prevent bursting and ensure even cooking.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, precise pastry cuts.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to your apple mixture.
- Egg wash is crucial for that beautiful golden-brown color, so don't skip this step.
- Let the pastries cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent immediate absorption.
- Serve warm for the most decadent experience, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
