Apple Puff Bake Recipe – A Sweet and Nostalgic Dessert
If you are looking for a cozy dessert that combines the tart sweetness of apples with the comforting texture of a biscuit-like puff, this Apple Puff Bake is a must-try. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a delightful end to a family meal, this recipe is simple yet elegant, offering a homely charm that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | 1/2 cup | For the syrup. |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons | For the cinnamon butter topping. |
| Water | 1/2 cup | For making the sugar syrup. |
| Baking apples | 2 | Peeled, cored, and halved. |
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup | For the puff dough. |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | To give the dough its fluffiness. |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | To balance flavors in the dough. |
| Shortening | 1/4 cup | Adds richness to the dough. |
| Milk | 6 tablespoons | Binds the dough together. |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 tablespoon | Enhances the cinnamon butter topping. |
| Butter | 1/4–1/2 cup | For the cinnamon butter topping. |
| Cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds a warm and spicy note. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 396.5 |
| Total Fat | 16.9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6g |
| Cholesterol | 10.8mg |
| Sodium | 414.9mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4g |
| Sugars | 38.5g |
| Protein | 3.4g |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the dessert goes in. |
| 2 | In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This creates a sweet syrup to infuse the apples with flavor. |
| 3 | Meanwhile, prepare your apples. Peel, core, and cut each apple in half. Arrange the apple halves in a shallow, greased baking dish, ensuring they lie flat and are evenly spaced. Pour the prepared sugar syrup evenly over the apples. |
| 4 | In a medium mixing bowl, sift together 3/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in 1/4 cup shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. |
| 5 | Gradually stir in 6 tablespoons milk until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky. Avoid overmixing to ensure the puff stays light and tender. |
| 6 | Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a mound. Place one mound of dough on top of each apple half, pressing gently to cover the apple completely. Use your fingers to create a small hollow in the center of each dough mound. |
| 7 | In a small bowl, combine 1/4–1/2 cup butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Spoon a dollop of this cinnamon butter mixture into the hollow of each dough mound, allowing the flavors to seep into the puff as it bakes. |
| 8 | Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the dough is golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. |
| 9 | Remove from the oven and let the dessert cool slightly before serving. The syrup will thicken as it cools, creating a delightful sauce to drizzle over each serving. |
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Puff Bake is best enjoyed warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Its golden crust and gooey apple filling make it the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in.
For an added twist, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the top or garnishing with chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Recipe Tips
- Apple Selection: Use tart baking apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Cinnamon Butter: Adjust the cinnamon to your taste; a touch more can elevate the warmth of the dish.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dessert up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Enjoy this nostalgic dessert and bring the sweet charm of baked apples to your table!
