Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caramel apple puff pastry is the perfect blend of crisp, buttery pastry and warm, gooey apple filling. With flaky layers that puff up beautifully in the oven, each bite delivers a balance of tart apples, rich caramel, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable, made with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or even a casual afternoon treat, this pastry is versatile enough to be served with ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoyed on its own. The contrast of soft caramelized apples against the crisp puff pastry makes it irresistible. Best of all, the recipe comes together quickly with the help of store-bought puff pastry, so you can enjoy a bakery-quality dessert at home without the fuss.
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Caramel Apple Puff Pastry – A Flaky, Sweet Fall-Inspired Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 pastries
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Puff Pastry is a sweet and flaky dessert featuring golden puff pastry filled with spiced apples and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or a quick elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Cook 5–7 minutes until apples soften and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares.
- Spoon apple mixture into the center of each square. Drizzle lightly with caramel sauce.
- Fold pastry over filling to form triangles or rectangles. Seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake 18–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
- These pastries are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheets
The base of the dessert, puff pastry provides crisp, buttery layers that bake to golden perfection.
Apples
Firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Caramel sauce
Rich, gooey caramel adds indulgence and ties the filling together.
Brown sugar
Enhances the caramel flavor and helps the apples release their juices.
Cinnamon
Adds warmth and spice, complementing the apples perfectly.
Nutmeg
A subtle spice that deepens the flavor of the apple filling.
Lemon juice
Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
Butter
Used to sauté the apples and enhance richness.
Egg wash (egg + water)
Brushed over the pastry for a glossy, golden finish.
Powdered sugar (optional)
For a delicate dusting on top before serving.
Directions
Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in a spoonful of caramel sauce and set aside to cool slightly.
Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on preference. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over the filling to form triangles or turnovers, pressing edges with a fork to seal. Brush tops with egg wash for shine.
Bake until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Once out of the oven, drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 pastries. Preparation takes 20 minutes, while baking requires 20–25 minutes. Altogether, the dish is ready in under 1 hour, making it an easy yet impressive dessert option.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the pastry. These pastries can also be frozen before baking and baked fresh from frozen.
Variations and Customizations
Salted Caramel Apple Pastry
Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty balance.
Nutty Apple Pastry
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
Cheesy Apple Pastry
Sprinkle a little cream cheese or mascarpone inside before sealing for a creamy twist.
Spiced Pastry
Include cloves, allspice, or cardamom for a warmer spice profile.
Open-Faced Tart
Bake the apples on flat puff pastry squares instead of folding for a rustic tart.
Glazed Pastry
Top with a simple vanilla glaze instead of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Boozy Caramel Apples
Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the apple filling for a grown-up version.
Mini Bites
Cut puff pastry into small squares for bite-sized party treats.
Apple-Pear Mix
Combine apples with pears for a layered fruit filling.
Ice Cream Pairing
Serve warm pastries with vanilla ice cream for a classic à la mode dessert.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, it works perfectly, though homemade caramel adds an extra touch.
What type of apples is best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness.
Do I need to thaw puff pastry before baking?
Yes, thaw according to package instructions for easy handling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking, or freeze unbaked pastries for later.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Cool the apple filling before adding to pastry to prevent excess moisture.
Conclusion
Caramel apple puff pastry is a delightful dessert that combines the cozy flavors of caramel, apples, and cinnamon with the irresistible crispness of puff pastry. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for fall but welcome any time of year. Whether served warm with ice cream or as a handheld treat, this pastry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as impressive as it tastes.