This Apple Pastry recipe is the perfect balance of flaky, buttery layers with sweet, spiced apple filling. These pastries are easy to make and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make your own delicious homemade apple pastries that will impress everyone around you!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, 15 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Cook the apples: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- Thicken the filling (optional): If you’d like a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and cook for another minute or two until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Pastries:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape. Each pastry should be about 4-5 inches wide.
- Fill the pastries: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spilling while baking.
- Seal the pastries: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle. Use a fork to press the edges together and seal the pastry. Cut a small slit in the top of each pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Egg wash: Whisk the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry for a golden, shiny finish.
Bake the Pastries:
- Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and dust: Allow the apple pastries to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad for a light dessert.
- Top with caramel sauce or drizzle with a bit of chocolate syrup for an indulgent treat.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
Cooking Tips
- Use cold puff pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is cold when working with it to ensure it puffs up nicely during baking.
- Chill the filling: Allow the apple filling to cool before using it in the pastry, as warm filling could cause the pastry to become soggy.
- Apple variety: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more balanced flavor, or sweet apples like Fuji for a more dessert-like treat.
- Adjust sweetness: If your apples are very sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
- Make ahead: You can prepare these pastries in advance and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Benefits
- Fiber: Apples are high in fiber, which aids in digestion.
- Vitamins: Apples are a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
- Healthy fats: If you use a butter-based puff pastry, it provides some healthy fats to your diet (though be mindful of the portion size).
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (contains gluten in puff pastry)
- Dairy-Free: No (if using butter-based puff pastry)
Nutritional Facts (per pastry, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 15g
Storage
- Room temperature: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out apples for other fruits like pears or peaches.
- Perfectly flaky: The puff pastry creates a light and flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet apple filling.
- Customizable: Add spices like nutmeg or cloves to enhance the flavor or mix in some raisins or nuts for texture.
- Irresistible: With the combination of apples and buttery pastry, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist.
Conclusion
These Apple Pastries are a delicious and simple treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of warm, spiced apples and flaky, buttery pastry is a classic that never goes out of style. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite homemade pastry!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making my own apple filling? Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re short on time, but homemade filling offers a fresher taste.
- Can I use frozen puff pastry? Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions before using.
- How do I make these apple pastries gluten-free? You can use a gluten-free puff pastry or make your own gluten-free pastry dough to replace the regular puff pastry.
- Can I make these pastries ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pastries in advance, freeze them, and bake them later. They also store well for a day or two at room temperature.