Description
Puff pastry apple roses are an elegant, visually stunning dessert that combines flaky puff pastry with the sweet and subtly tangy flavor of thinly sliced apples. Rolled together, these roses look like blooming flowers, perfect for any gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Simple ingredients and easy steps make this an achievable recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Serve these warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 medium-sized red apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended for color and sweetness)
- Juice of half a lemon 🍋 (prevents apples from browning)
- 3 tablespoons of apricot jam (adds sweetness and holds the apples in place)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🧂 (for warm flavor)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Optional Additions:
- Caramel drizzle (for serving)
- Vanilla ice cream (as a side)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples
- Halve the apples and remove the core, keeping the skin on for color. Thinly slice each apple into about 1/8-inch slices.
- Place the slices in a microwave-safe bowl, add lemon juice, and toss to coat.
- Soften the Apple Slices
- Add a few tablespoons of water to the bowl and microwave the apples for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the pastry into six even strips, each about 2 inches wide.
- Add the Jam and Cinnamon
- Spread a thin layer of apricot jam along each pastry strip. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon to add a warm, cozy flavor.
- Arrange the Apple Slices and Fold
- Place apple slices along the top edge of each pastry strip, overlapping slightly. The rounded side of the apples should stick out over the edge of the pastry.
- Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip up over the apples, creating a “sandwich” effect.
- Roll Each Strip into Roses
- Gently roll each strip from one end to the other, creating a rose shape. Place each rolled pastry in a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners to hold its shape.
- Bake the Apple Roses
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. Watch closely during the last 10 minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Apple Varieties: Red apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best for color. Green apples, like Granny Smith, add a tart contrast if you prefer less sweetness.
- Alternative Spreads: Substitute apricot jam with apple butter, orange marmalade, or a thin layer of caramel for different flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: For an added touch, drizzle caramel over the apple roses or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g