I've got a great recipe for you today featuring six simple ingredients, including crispy puff pastry and apple slices. This Puff Pastry Apple Roses Recipe is easy to make and creates a beautiful dessert that's perfect for special occasions.
These little apple treats could be an "edible bouquet" for a special someone as a Valentine's Day dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or the perfect addition to Mother's Day brunch.
But you don't really need a special occasion to make this delicious recipe. Sometimes, I have them for breakfast with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Elegant - Impress your guests with these beautiful apple roses that look like they were made by a pastry chef. You can create these with a few thin apple slices and strips of puff pastry. The result is stunning.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor - With basic ingredients like puff pastry, apples, and cinnamon, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor without complex components.
- Versatile and Adaptable - These apple roses fit any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. Additionally, they're easy to eat - almost like individual apple pies. Plus, they make for an excellent edible gift!
Choosing the Best Apple
The most common question when making apple recipes is," Which apples are the best?" For these apple puff pastry roses, I suggest using a red apple that is a little tart and has a firm texture so that after baking, the apple doesn't get mushy. Since the peel isn't removed for this recipe, the red color makes a great presentation and helps to create the look of a rose. My favorite apple for
- Pink Lady
- Braeburn
- Fuji
- Gala
Substitutions
- Pie Dough - Traditional pie dough can be a good substitute, though the texture may be different.
- Honey or Maple Syrup - Drizzle over the apples or other fruit for added sweetness
- Brown Sugar - Use instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- Nutmeg or Allspice - Add a pinch to the cinnamon for a warm and aromatic twist.
- Cardamom - Substitute or combine with cinnamon for a unique flavor.
- Plant-based butter - Use for a dairy-free option. My favorite is the avocado or olive oil version by Country Crock.
- Jam or Preserves - Some recipes for apple roses include spreading a thin layer of preserves or jam on the pastry before adding the fruit. Good options include Peach or Apricot Jam, Raspberry Jam, or Apple Butter.
Variations
- Switch out the apples for a different fruit. I think pears, peaches or plums would be great choices.
- For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the baked apple roses.
Ingredients
*For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the printable recipe card.
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2. Wash the apples, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the core.
Step 3. Slice the apples thinly widthwise, keeping the open side of the apple down. Put the thinly sliced apples in a bowl and add the juice of half a lemon.
Step 4. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons over the sliced apples and set the rest of the sugar-cinnamon mix aside.
Step. 5. Unfold the thawed sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper.
Step 6. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Using a pastry brush, cover one side of the puff pastry sheets with melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Step 7. Using a pizza cutter or knife, begin at the short end of the puff pastry sheet and cut each puff pastry sheet into six equal strips.
Step 8. Place apple slices, skin side up, along the long edge of the dough, overlapping slightly, until you get to the end of the pastry strip. Fold up the bottom part of the dough.
Step 9. Gently roll up the apple and pastry into a rose shape and place it in the prepared. Repeat until all 12 roses are rolled up.
Step 10. Place the muffin pan in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Storage and Freezing
Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat the apple roses in a 300℉ oven for 10 minutes to warm and crisp the pastry.
Freezing puff pastry roses is not recommended.
Pro Tips
- Roll the apple slices tightly within the puff pastry strips to achieve the perfect rose shape. The muffin cups will help the roses maintain their shape.
- When cutting the apple, paper-thin slices will ensure tender apples that are baked perfectly. If the apples are too thick, they will be undercooked or rubbery. A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer are the easiest ways to achieve very thin slices of apple.
- During baking, if the puff pastry begins to get too brown, place a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the roses to prevent over-browning.
If you've made this recipe and love it, I want to know. Please leave a comment and a star rating on the recipe card below.
Notes/FAQs
Absolutely! Assemble the apple roses as directed, cover them with a piece of plastic wrap, and refrigerate them. Bake when ready, ensuring a fresh and warm dessert.
Yes. This recipe uses frozen sheets. Thaw them to room temperature, according to the package directions.
Apple Roses with Puff Pastry Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Pizza Cutter
- Standard Muffin Tin
Ingredients
- 1 box of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed according to directions)
- 3 red apples
- 1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (the juice from about ½ a large lemon)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Wash the apples, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the core.
- Slice the apples thinly widthwise, keeping the open side of the apple down. Put the thinly sliced apples in a bowl and add the juice of half a lemon.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons over the sliced apples and set the rest of the sugar-cinnamon mix aside.
- Unfold the thawed sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Using a pastry brush, cover one side of the puff pastry sheets with melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, begin at the short end of the puff pastry sheet and cut each puff pastry sheet into six equal strips.
- Place apple slices, skin side up, along the long edge of the dough, overlapping slightly, until you get to the end of the pastry strip. Fold up the bottom part of the dough.
- Gently roll up the apple and pastry into a rose shape and place it in the prepared. Repeat until all 12 roses are rolled up.
- Place the muffin pan in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat the apple roses in a 300℉ oven for 10 minutes to warm and crisp the pastry. Freezing puff pastry roses is not recommended. Pro Tips
Roll the apple slices tightly within the puff pastry strips to achieve the perfect rose shape. The muffin cups will help the roses maintain their shape.
When cutting the apple, paper-thin slices will ensure tender apples that are baked perfectly. If the apples are too thick, they will be undercooked or rubbery. A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer are the easiest ways to achieve very thin slices of apple.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Candied Maple Bacon Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Cake Mix
- No Bake Cherry Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Charlotte says
These look so easy elegant and delicious! I can't wait to try them! Thanks for the very detailed tutorial. The photos help so much to get the pastry wrapped correctly!
Danielle says
I just love this idea! So easy and elegant. These look so perfect for Valentine's Day.