Puff Pastry Apple Roses Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 12
These Puff Pastry Apple Roses are a delightful, visually stunning dessert that combines the buttery richness of puff pastry with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of Fuji apples. The delicate layers of pastry and fruit are transformed into beautiful, rose-like shapes, making them perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. With a hint of apricot jam and a touch of cinnamon sugar, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between light and flavorful.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 460g |
| Fuji Apples | 2 |
| Apricot Jam | 100g |
| Powdered Sugar | to taste |
| Brown Sugar | to taste |
| Butter (softened) | to taste |
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Sodium | 30mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by filling a medium-sized saucepan with water and bringing it to a boil. While waiting for the water to heat, wash and prepare the apples. Slice the Fuji apples into thin wedges and remove the core. When the water reaches a rolling boil, gently place the apple slices into the water and let them cook for about 1 minute, just enough to soften them slightly. Be careful not to cook them too long; the goal is to make them tender, not mushy. After 1 minute, remove the apples from the boiling water and drain them well. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with softened butter using a pastry brush. Once the tin is greased, sprinkle a small amount of brown sugar into each muffin cup, swirling it to coat the bottom and sides lightly. This will create a lovely caramelized base for the puff pastry roses once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a flat surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into six equal strips, each about 5 cm wide. If you’re using two sheets of puff pastry, repeat this step with the second sheet.
Step 4: Apply the Apricot Jam
Using a pastry brush or a spoon, spread a thin layer of apricot jam over each pastry strip. The apricot jam adds a subtle sweetness and also helps to hold the apple slices in place as you assemble the roses.
Step 5: Arrange the Apple Slices
Take the apple slices and gently pat them dry again using a paper towel. Lay the apple slices along the edge of each pastry strip, slightly overlapping each other. Make sure the skin side of the apple slices is facing outward, so they show through once baked. The apples should extend slightly beyond the edges of the pastry to create the rose effect as they bake.
Step 6: Shape the Roses
Now that the apples are arranged, carefully fold the lower part of the pastry strip up over the apples, covering the bottom half of the slices. Begin rolling the strip from one end, creating a rose-like shape. Make sure the roll is tight enough to hold the apples in place but not so tight that it affects the puffing of the pastry during baking.
Step 7: Place the Roses in the Muffin Tin
Place each rolled-up rose into one of the prepared muffin tin cups. Once all the roses are assembled, pop the tin into a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F). Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the apples have softened beautifully inside.
Step 8: Finish the Roses
Once the puff pastry apple roses are golden and fully baked, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. To give them a lovely finishing touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra bit of sweetness.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Your puff pastry apple roses are now ready to be enjoyed. These little pastries are perfect for any gathering, from a casual family brunch to an elegant dinner party. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch as they impress everyone with their beauty and deliciousness.
Pro Tips:
- Apple Variety: While Fuji apples work wonderfully in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for a slightly different flavor.
- Make Ahead: If you’re preparing these ahead of time, you can assemble the apple roses in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them right before serving for the best results.
- Flavor Variations: For an added twist, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the apples before rolling them up to give the dessert a warming, spiced flavor. A drizzle of caramel sauce would also be a lovely addition after baking.
Conclusion
These Puff Pastry Apple Roses are the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a stunning visual appeal and a delightful combination of textures and flavors. With the tender apple slices, the buttery and flaky pastry, and the hint of sweetness from the apricot jam, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a special event or just treating yourself, these elegant little treats are the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.
