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!