Apple puff pastry dessert

Dessert with puff pastry and caramelized apples

Cooking is an art, and sometimes the simplest combinations can bring us the greatest satisfaction. This dessert recipe with puff pastry and caramelized apples is a perfect example of a quick and super delicious recipe that will surely impress anyone who tastes it. Whether it's a family dinner or a party with friends, this dessert will quickly become everyone's favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 1 package of frozen puff pastry (800 g)
- 700 g apples, peeled and diced
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 ml water
- 1/2 package of lemon pudding (approximately 25 g)
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Vanilla sugar for dusting

Brief history

Apple desserts have a long tradition in international cuisine, appreciated for their sweet flavor and pleasant texture. Puff pastry, a type of dough that rises during baking due to layers of butter, is an excellent choice for wrapping delicious fillings. This recipe combines the two, creating a crispy and flavorful pie, perfect for any occasion.

Step by step

1. Thawing the puff pastry: Start by letting the puff pastry thaw at room temperature. It's essential to work with it immediately after it has thawed to avoid the dough becoming soggy, which can make handling much more difficult.

2. Preparing the apples: In a saucepan, add the diced apples, sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture simmer gently. The apples will start to soften and release their natural juice. About 5-7 minutes is enough to prepare them for the filling.

3. Adding flavors: Once the apples are soft, add the lemon pudding powder and cinnamon. Mix well, then remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. This step is important, as hot filling can melt the puff pastry.

4. Preparing the dough: On a sheet of parchment paper, unfold the puff pastry sheet. Cut the edges into strips about 1 cm wide, leaving a portion uncut in the middle. These strips will be used to create a beautiful braided appearance.

5. Assembling the dessert: Place the apple filling in the center of the dough. Then, take the strips of dough and lay them alternately over the filling, creating an attractive pattern. This will be a detail that makes the dessert look truly impressive!

6. Brushing with egg: Use the beaten egg to brush the surface of the dough. This will help achieve a beautiful golden color during baking.

7. Baking: Transfer the pie (along with the parchment paper) to the prepared baking tray and place it in the preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the dough becomes golden and crispy.

8. Finishing: Once the dessert is beautifully browned, remove it from the oven and let it cool. Before serving, sprinkle vanilla sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

Tips and tricks

- Choose the right apples: Firmer apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, are best for this recipe as they hold their shape and texture during cooking.
- Customize the filling: You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture. Also, a splash of lemon juice on the apples before cooking will enhance the flavors.
- Spice variations: Instead of cinnamon, experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger to give the dessert a different note.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Of course! Peaches, pears, or even berries can be used to create a delicious variation of this dessert.

2. What can I do with the leftover dough?
You can make mini tarts or cookies with the leftover puff pastry. Fill them with jam or chocolate and bake them just like the pie.

3. How can I make the dessert healthier?
Replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener or use sweeter apples to reduce the amount of added sugar.

Serving

This dessert is delicious served warm, but it can also be a wonderful choice when served cold. I recommend serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of cream. A cup of fruit tea or a glass of cider will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants that can help maintain heart health and improve digestion. However, it is important to consume the dessert in moderation due to the added sugar content.

Regardless of the occasion, this dessert recipe with puff pastry and caramelized apples is a wonderful way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. With each bite, you will feel the warmth and comfort of a dish made with love. So come on and start cooking! Enjoy!