Baked Apple Roses with Puff Pastry Recipe
Baked Apple Roses with Puff Pastry are elegant, visually stunning desserts that combine tender baked apple slices and flaky puff pastry, forming beautiful rose shapes. These sweet treats are flavored with cinnamon and apricot preserves, making them perfect for a special occasion or a delightful afternoon snack.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 apple roses 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Fruits
- 2 red apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended)
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
Preserve Mixture
- 3 tablespoons apricot preserves (or jam)
- 1 tablespoon water (for apricot mixture)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons water (for softening apple slices)
- confectioners’ sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and core the apples, leaving the skin on. Cut them in half from top to bottom, then slice them paper-thin (about 1/16 inch thick). Place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Soften Apple Slices: Drain the apple slices and transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave for approximately 3 minutes until the slices become soft and flexible enough to bend without breaking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 6 equal strips, each about 2 inches wide and 8-10 inches long.
- Make Apricot Mixture and Sugar-Cinnamon Blend: In a small bowl, mix apricot preserves with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave for 30 seconds until warm and spreadable. Separately, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Assemble Apple Roses: Brush each puff pastry strip with the apricot preserve mixture. Arrange softened apple slices overlapping along the top half of each strip, making sure the apple skin extends slightly beyond the pastry edge for the rose petal effect.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apple slices on each pastry strip.
- Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip up over the base of the apple slices. Starting from one end, carefully roll up each strip to form a rose shape. The natural curvature of the apple slices will create a realistic rose appearance.
- Prepare for Baking: Place each rolled apple rose into a greased muffin tin to help maintain shape during baking. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the roses in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. If the roses begin to brown too quickly, tent them with foil after 25 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked apple roses to cool slightly in the muffin tin before gently removing them. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using tart and firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady helps the slices hold shape better during baking.
- Thinly slicing the apples is key to achieving the delicate rose petal look; use a mandoline if available.
- Microwaving softens the apple slices quickly, but alternatively, you can warm them in a skillet with water for a few minutes.
- If you don’t have apricot preserves, any similar fruit jam can be substituted for sweetness and glaze.
- To make cleanup easier, grease the muffin tin well or use silicone muffin cups.
- These roses are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Keywords: apple roses, puff pastry dessert, baked apple dessert, cinnamon sugar apples, easy elegant dessert, fruit pastry roses