This Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry with Apricot Jam is a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of spiced apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet apricot jam. With a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust, it’s perfect for tea time, dessert, or any festive occasion.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
Makes: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 20 g butter
- 50 g sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 50 g walnuts, chopped
- 500 g puff pastry
- 2–3 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
- Chopped almonds (for topping)
Directions
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add diced apples, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Spread a thin layer of apricot jam over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Assemble the Pastry:
- Spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the apricot jam.
- Roll the pastry tightly from one long side to form a log, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
- Slice the log into 1-inch pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Glaze and Top:
- Brush the tops of the pastry pieces with egg yolk.
- Sprinkle with chopped almonds for added crunch.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pastries to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea.
- Drizzle with additional apricot jam for extra sweetness.
- Enjoy as a breakfast treat or a light dessert.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the apple filling is cooled before spreading on the pastry to prevent sogginess.
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience or homemade if preferred.
- Substitute apricot jam with any fruit preserves like peach or raspberry.
- Roll the pastry tightly to avoid gaps during baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples provide dietary fiber and antioxidants.
- Walnuts offer heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the flavor naturally.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten and nuts; not suitable for gluten-free or nut-free diets.
- Contains dairy and eggs; not suitable for vegan diets unless substitutions are made.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 12 g
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked pastries for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors.
- Crispy, flaky pastry with a soft, flavorful filling.
- Great for gatherings, holidays, or a simple indulgence.
Conclusion
This Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry with Apricot Jam is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. The buttery, flaky pastry paired with the warm apple filling and sweet apricot glaze makes it a dessert that’s hard to resist. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of comfort!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears, peaches, or plums work well as substitutes.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use vegan puff pastry and replace butter with plant-based margarine.
3. Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, omit the walnuts and almonds or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
4. How do I prevent the pastry from sticking?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
5. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate the pastries up to a day before baking.
6. Can I freeze baked pastries?
Yes, freeze the baked pastries and reheat in the oven before serving.
7. What if I don’t have apricot jam?
Use honey, maple syrup, or any other fruit jam you prefer.
8. Can I add spices to the filling?
Yes, nutmeg or allspice pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and apples.
9. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but brush each layer with melted butter for a similar effect.
10. How do I ensure the pastry stays crispy?
Serve immediately after baking, and avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess.