There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of warm apples, sweet caramel, and buttery pastry. These Caramel Apple Puff Pastries capture the essence of fall in every bite, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that feels both nostalgic and special.
Perfect for weekend brunches, afternoon tea, or an impressive yet effortless dessert, these pastries deliver all the flavor of apple pie with half the effort. The flaky layers of puff pastry cradle tender cinnamon-spiced apples, while a drizzle of caramel sauce adds that perfect touch of indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick and foolproof base
- Comes together in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Creates impressive, bakery-worthy results with minimal effort
- Customizable with different apple varieties and spice combinations
- Perfect for both casual family desserts and elegant entertaining
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons of butter, sliced into 6 thin slices
- 4-6 tablespoons caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. While the sheet of puff pastry is thawing, slice the apples. Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place the sheet of puff pastry on a baking sheet and cut into six rectangles. Poke each piece with a fork a few times in the middle to prevent excessive puffing in the center.
- Place the apple slices in the center of each rectangle in a line, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle each piece with a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar mixture and top with a thin slice of butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over warm pastries. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling
- Try different apple varieties—tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp offer more natural sweetness
- Substitute the caramel with dulce de leche or maple syrup for a different flavor profile
- For a time-saving shortcut, use canned apple pie filling, though the flavor won’t be quite as fresh
- Make the apple filling up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble
- For a grown-up version, add a splash of bourbon or apple brandy to the filling while cooking
Serving Suggestions
These caramel apple pastries are delicious on their own, but they become truly spectacular when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, flaky pastry and cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful temperature play that elevates the entire dessert.
For a cozy fall brunch, pair these pastries with a hot cup of cinnamon coffee or spiced apple cider. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert board alongside fresh fruit, cheese, and nuts.
Notes
- Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness
- The pastries are done when they’ve puffed significantly and turned a deep golden brown color
- If the pastries are browning too quickly, tent with foil for the remaining bake time
FAQs
Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling up to 2 days ahead and assemble the pastries up to 24 hours before baking. Store assembled but unbaked pastries covered in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these pastries?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked pastries on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best apple to use for these pastries?
Firm apples that hold their shape when baked work best. Granny Smith provides tartness that balances the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady offer a nice balance of sweet and tart.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, if you’re feeling ambitious! Homemade puff pastry works beautifully, though store-bought offers convenience without sacrificing much quality.
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