Caramelized Apple Pastry

This Caramelized Apple Pastry combines a soft, buttery dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling for a delightful homemade treat. Perfect for dessert, tea time, or a cozy snack, this easy-to-make pastry is sure to impress your family and friends. The caramelized apple filling adds a warm, comforting flavor, while the dough creates a golden, flaky crust.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

  • 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) butter
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) sugar
  • A pinch of cinnamon (to taste)

For the Dough:

  • 1 large egg
  • A pinch of salt
  • 8 g (1 tbsp) vanilla sugar
  • 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
  • 50 g (3 1/2 tbsp) melted butter
  • 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
  • 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

For Serving:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Prepare the Apple Filling:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp of butter.
  2. Add the diced apple, 2 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, or until the apples are soft and caramelized.
  4. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt, vanilla sugar, and regular sugar until well combined.
  2. Add the milk and melted butter, mixing thoroughly.
  3. Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Assemble the Pastry:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  3. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough.
  4. Fold or roll the dough over the filling, sealing the edges to enclose the apples.
  5. Place the assembled pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Pastry:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Serve:

  1. Let the pastry cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
  2. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
  • Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced cider for a cozy treat.

Cooking Tips

  • Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Avoid overcooking the filling, as it will continue to soften while baking.
  • Seal the edges of the pastry well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
  • The simple dough is light and contains fewer ingredients compared to store-bought pastries.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian
  • Can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative and using almond or oat milk.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 8 Servings)

  • Calories: 190
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to restore freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
  • The warm, spiced apple filling creates a comforting and delicious flavor.
  • Perfect for both casual snacks and elegant desserts.
  • Can be customized with additional fruits, nuts, or spices.

Conclusion
This Caramelized Apple Pastry is the perfect balance of soft, buttery dough and sweet, spiced apple filling. It’s easy to prepare and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether enjoyed warm with powdered sugar or paired with a creamy topping, this pastry is sure to delight your taste buds. Try it today and bring the comforting flavors of homemade baking to your table!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
    Yes, pears, peaches, or berries work well as substitutes.
  2. Can I add nuts to the filling?
    Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a nice crunch.
  3. What if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
    Substitute with 1 tsp vanilla extract or omit it entirely.
  4. Can I make this pastry ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
  5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
    Yes, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, butter with plant-based alternatives, and milk with almond or oat milk.
  7. What type of sugar works best?
    Regular granulated sugar is ideal, but brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor.
  8. Can I freeze this pastry?
    Yes, freeze after baking and cool completely. Reheat in the oven before serving.
  9. Can I use pre-made pastry dough?
    Yes, puff pastry or pie dough can be used as a shortcut.
  10. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
    Ensure the apple filling is cooled completely before spreading it on the dough.