Ingredients

Servings: 6-8 portions

• Apples: 2 to 3 large (preferably Granny Smith or any tart variety)
• Puff Pastry: 2 rolls (approximately 500 g / 17.6 oz)
• Egg: 1, whisked (for egg wash)
• Sugar: 100 g (½ cup)
• Cinnamon: 1 tsp (5 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and Slice the Apples:
   • Begin by peeling the apples and removing the core. Slice the apples into thin wedges or small chunks, depending on how you’d like them to fit inside the puff pastry.
2. Mix with Sugar and Cinnamon:
   • In a bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Add the sliced apples to the sugar-cinnamon mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. Set this aside while you prepare the puff pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
   • Take the puff pastry out of the refrigerator and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. If the pastry is too thick, gently roll it to a thinner consistency (about 3 mm or 1/8 inch thick). You want it thin enough to puff up but still hold the apples securely.
4. Cut the Pastry into Squares:
   • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into small squares, roughly 10×10 cm (4×4 inches). These squares will form the pockets that hold the apples.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Puff Pastry Bites

5. Add the Apple Filling:
   • Place a spoonful of the cinnamon-sugar apple mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to break or leak during baking.
6. Seal the Pastry:
   • Fold each square over into a triangle, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal. You can also create small puff pastry parcels by folding all four corners of the square towards the center. This will give the pastry a decorative look.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

7. Brush with Egg Wash:
   • Whisk the egg in a small bowl and lightly brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash. This will give the pastries a beautiful golden color as they bake.
8. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Bake the Pastries:
   • Place the assembled apple puff pastry bites onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed up.

Step 5: Serve

10. Serve Warm:
    • Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly. These bites are best served warm, when the puff pastry is still crisp, and the apples are soft and tender.

Cooking Tips

1. Apple Variety:
   • Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances well with the sweet cinnamon sugar. However, you can experiment with other types of apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter bite.
2. Prevent Soggy Pastry:
   • To prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy, ensure that the apple mixture is well-drained of any excess liquid before adding it to the pastry.
3. Puff Pastry Tips:
   • Work quickly with the puff pastry to prevent it from becoming too soft. If it starts to feel sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
4. Customization:
   • Feel free to add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the apple mixture for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Leftovers:

• Room Temperature: These puff pastry bites can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Refrigerator: To keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up before serving.

Freezing:

• Unbaked Pastries: You can assemble the puff pastry bites, then freeze them before baking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Pastries: Once baked and cooled, freeze the puff pastries in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximation)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Sugar: 12 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg

Note: The nutritional values may vary based on the specific puff pastry and apple variety you use.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before rolling it out and using it.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the regular puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry, which is available in many supermarkets or specialty stores. The results will be similar in texture and flavor.

3. How do I prevent my puff pastry from becoming soggy?

To prevent soggy pastry, avoid overfilling the puff pastry with apples, and ensure any excess juice is drained off before filling. Additionally, baking the pastries on a preheated baking sheet can help them cook more evenly and crisply.

4. Can I add other spices or flavors?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of ginger to the apple mixture. A drizzle of caramel sauce over the baked pastries is also a delicious touch.

5. What can I serve with these pastries?

These pastries are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Puff Pastry Bites are a simple yet elegant dessert that anyone can whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform fresh apples and puff pastry into a warm, flaky, and flavorful treat. These pastries are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a light dusting of cinnamon adding a cozy touch. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress with their delicious taste and beautiful presentation. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bite of fall-inspired comfort food!