This delightful dessert combines the flaky crispness of puff pastry with tender, spiced apples, topped off with a rich caramel sauce and a fluffy cinnamon cream. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day, these puff pastry-wrapped apples bring a touch of elegance and indulgence to your table. The caramel sauce adds a luxurious sweetness, while the cinnamon cream provides a light and aromatic contrast. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is sure to impress.
Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Wrapped Apples:
- 200 g puff pastry (7.1 oz) (about 1.5 cups)
- 4 medium-sized apples, cored
- 20 g butter (0.7 oz) (about 1.5 tablespoons)
- 10 g cinnamon (0.4 oz) (about 1 tablespoon)
- 30 g brown sugar (1.1 oz) (about 2 tablespoons)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 200 g sugar (7.1 oz) (about 1 cup)
- 100 ml water (3.4 fl oz) (about 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- 7 g salt (0.2 oz) (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 500 ml whipping cream, divided (16.8 fl oz) (about 2 cups + 2 tablespoons)
- 20 ml lemon juice (0.7 fl oz) (about 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
For the Cinnamon Cream:
- 300 ml whipping cream (11 fl oz) (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 80 g powdered sugar (2.8 oz) (about 1/2 cup)
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Core 4 medium apples, removing seeds but keeping them whole.
- Melt 20 g of butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in 30 g brown sugar and 10 g cinnamon, cook until bubbling, then let cool slightly.
- Wrap the Apples in Puff Pastry:
- Roll out 200 g puff pastry on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 4 squares.
- Place each apple in the center of a pastry square, spoon some cinnamon-butter mixture into the apple, and wrap the pastry around it, sealing the edges. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Apples:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and apples are tender. Cover loosely with foil if necessary to prevent over-browning.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 200 g sugar, 100 ml water, and 7 g salt. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat to medium-high, boil until deep amber, then remove from heat and whisk in 200 ml whipping cream. Stir in 20 ml lemon juice.
- Make the Cinnamon Cream:
- Whip 300 ml whipping cream with 80 g powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in a pinch of cinnamon.
- Serve:
- Cool the apples slightly, then place on dessert plates. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce and top with cinnamon cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of vanilla ice cream or a crisp green apple salad.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
- Garnish with additional cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure the puff pastry is cold when wrapping the apples to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to work with.
- Watch the caramel closely while it cooks, as it can burn quickly once it starts to darken.
- Let the cinnamon cream sit in the fridge until serving to maintain its whipped texture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples provide dietary fiber and essential vitamins, including vitamin C.
- Whipping cream adds richness and a dose of calcium, but be mindful of portion sizes.
- Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Dietary Information
- Contains dairy and gluten.
- Can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Protein: 4 g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain pastry crispness, or microwave briefly if preferred.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines classic comfort with a sophisticated twist, making it perfect for special occasions or a treat anytime.
- The blend of sweet, spiced apples and creamy, rich toppings creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- It’s a visually impressive dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.
- The recipe brings a touch of nostalgia with a modern update, appealing to both adults and children.
Conclusion These puff pastry-wrapped apples offer a delightful fusion of flaky pastry, tender apple, and rich caramel, crowned with a light cinnamon cream. The dessert is as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy treat. With each bite, you’ll experience a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a classic dessert with a modern twist!
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
- Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you prefer a quicker option.
- Can I make the puff pastry-wrapped apples ahead of time?
- You can prepare and wrap the apples a day in advance, then bake them when ready to serve.
- What can I use instead of whipping cream for the cinnamon cream?
- You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping for a dairy-free option.
- Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
- Yes, pears or peaches can be used as alternatives, though baking times may vary.
- How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
- Ensure the apples are well-drained before wrapping and avoid overfilling them with the cinnamon-butter mixture.
- Can I freeze the puff pastry-wrapped apples?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked apples. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What should I do if the caramel sauce crystallizes?
- Reheat the sauce gently, whisking in a bit more cream to smooth it out.
- How long does it take for the caramel sauce to cool?
- Let the caramel sauce cool to room temperature, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in the recipe?
- This recipe does not use cheese, but you can experiment with other types of cheese in similar desserts if desired.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.