Baked Apple Roses with Puff Pastry Recipe

Introduction

Baked Apple Roses with Puff Pastry are a charming and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. These delicate pastries combine tender apple slices with flaky puff pastry, creating an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 red apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended)
• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 3 tablespoons apricot preserves (or jam)
• 1 tablespoon water (for apricot mixture)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting, optional)
• 2 tablespoons water (for softening apple slices)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and core the apples, leaving the skin on. Cut them in half from top to bottom, then slice them very thinly, about 1/16 inch thick. Place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Step 2: Drain the apple slices and transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave for about 3 minutes until the slices become soft and flexible.
3. Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth creases. Cut the pastry into 6 equal strips approximately 2 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches long.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the apricot preserves with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave for 30 seconds until warm and easy to spread. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
5. Step 5: Brush each pastry strip with the apricot preserve mixture. Arrange the softened apple slices along the top half of each strip, slightly overlapping, with the skin side extending beyond the pastry edge.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples. Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip up to cover the bottom of the apple slices.
7. Step 7: Starting at one end, carefully roll each strip to form a rose shape. The apple slices will curve naturally, creating the appearance of rose petals.
8. Step 8: Place each rolled rose into a greased muffin tin to hold its shape. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter.
9. Step 9: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. If the roses brown too quickly, tent them with foil after 25 minutes.
10. Step 10: Let the apple roses cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the puff pastry.
• Try substituting apricot preserves with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different flavor twist.
• Brush the apple slices with lemon juice before softening to keep their color bright.
• For a richer taste, sprinkle a little nutmeg along with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Storage

Store baked apple roses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works well as long as it is fully thawed according to package instructions before using.

How do I prevent the apple slices from breaking when rolling?

Soften the apple slices by microwaving them with water until flexible, then overlap them slightly on the pastry strip to keep the layers intact during rolling.

Baked Apple Roses with Puff Pastry Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

Baked Apple Roses with Puff Pastry are an elegant and visually stunning dessert featuring thinly sliced apples rolled into delicate rose shapes wrapped in buttery puff pastry. These are infused with a sweet apricot glaze and cinnamon sugar, baked until golden and crisp, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a beautiful and delicious fall-inspired pastry.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 apple roses 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Fruit

• 2 red apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 2 tablespoons water (for softening apple slices)

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)

Apricot Glaze

• 3 tablespoons apricot preserves (or jam)
• 1 tablespoon water (for apricot mixture)

Spices and Sweeteners

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Other

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
• confectioners’ sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Wash and core the apples, leaving the skin on. Cut them in half from top to bottom, then slice them very thinly, about 1/16 inch thick. Immediately place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Soften Apple Slices: Drain the apple slices and transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes until the slices become soft and flexible, making them easier to roll.
3. Prepare Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into 6 equal strips, approximately 2 inches wide and 8-10 inches long.
4. Make Apricot Glaze: In a small bowl, combine apricot preserves with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave for 30 seconds until warm and spreadable. Separately, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
5. Assemble Roses: Brush each pastry strip evenly with the warmed apricot glaze. Arrange the softened apple slices along the top half of each strip, slightly overlapping, with the skin side of the apples extending slightly beyond the edge of the pastry.
6. Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the apple slices on each strip. Fold the bottom half of each pastry strip up over the bottom of the apple slices to secure them.
7. Roll Pastry Roses: Starting from one end, carefully roll each strip up to form a rose shape. The curved apple slices will mimic rose petals as you roll.
8. Prepare for Baking: Place each rolled apple rose into a greased muffin tin cup to help maintain their shape while baking. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter for color and flavor.
9. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. If the roses brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 25 minutes to prevent burning.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the apple roses to cool slightly in the muffin tin, then carefully remove. Optionally dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving for a pretty finish.

Notes

• Use tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for best flavor and color contrast.
• Microwaving softens the apple slices so they bend easily without breaking during rolling.
• Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Brush with melted butter before baking to achieve a beautiful golden color.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• These roses are best eaten the same day, but can be stored covered in the refrigerator and gently reheated to maintain texture.

Keywords: apple roses, puff pastry dessert, baked apple pastry, fall dessert, cinnamon apple pastry, apricot glazed pastry