Apples in puff pastry

Apples in Puff Pastry – a Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5

Welcome to the wonderful world of desserts! Today, I invite you to discover a special recipe that evokes pleasant childhood memories: apples in puff pastry. This simple yet sophisticated dessert combines the sweetness of apples with the crunchy texture of puff pastry, creating an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Perfect for serving at a festive meal or simply to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, these apples are an inspired choice.

A Bit of History

Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a symbol of abundance and prosperity in many cultures. Puff pastry, on the other hand, is a dough with a sophisticated preparation technique that gives it a layered and crispy texture. Together, these ingredients create a delicious story that connects us to ancient culinary traditions.

Necessary Ingredients

- 5 medium apples (preferably a sweet-tart variety)
- 300 g store-bought puff pastry
- 4 teaspoons brown sugar
- 5 small pieces of butter (about 10 g each)
- Cinnamon, to taste
- Dried cherries or raisins, to preference
- 3 teaspoons ground walnuts

Ingredient Details

- Apples: Choose apples based on your preferences. Varieties such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold are excellent for this recipe as they hold their shape during baking.
- Puff Pastry: While you can make the dough from scratch, the store-bought version is extremely convenient and delivers excellent results.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a lightly caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Cinnamon: A spice that enhances the sweetness of the apples and adds a warm, comforting note.
- Dried Cherries/Raisins: These bring a pleasant acidity and interesting texture, but you can experiment with other dried fruits based on your preferences.
- Ground Walnuts: Provides a rich flavor and crunchy texture.

Step by Step – Your Guide to a Perfect Dessert

1. Preparing the Apples:
- Wash the apples thoroughly under running water.
- Use a special corer or, if you don't have one, cut the apples in half and remove the core. Then, rejoin the two halves.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Pre-baking the Apples:
- Place the apples in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- In each apple's core, place a small piece of butter, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Bake the apples for 10-15 minutes, until they start to soften slightly. This step intensifies the apple flavor and prepares them for the pastry.

3. Preparing the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface sprinkled with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Cut the pastry into equal squares, depending on the size of the apples. Typically, 15 cm squares are ideal.

4. Filling the Apples:
- Place one apple in the center of each pastry square.
- Fill the core of each apple with ground walnuts and, if desired, add dried cherries or raisins.
- Fold the corners of the pastry around the apples, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

5. Final Baking:
- Place the filled apples in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry turns golden and crispy. You will notice the delicious aroma of apples and cinnamon spreading throughout the house.

6. Finishing and Serving:
- After removing them from the oven, let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and a sweet taste that is highly appreciated.
- Serve them alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a vanilla sauce for a contrast of temperatures and textures.

Useful Tips for a Successful Dessert

- Ensure that the puff pastry is well chilled before use. This will make it crispier during baking.
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can brush the pastry with a beaten egg before baking for a golden and shiny crust.
- Experiment with different types of fillings – ground almonds or dark chocolate can add an interesting note.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or pears are excellent alternatives, but the baking time may vary.

2. How can I store these apples in puff pastry?
It is recommended to consume them fresh, but if there are leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

3. Can I prepare this recipe a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apples and filling a day in advance, and the pastry can be kept in the refrigerator. Bake them a few hours before serving for the best results.

Nutrition and Calories

This recipe has approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the size of the apples and the chosen filling. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while puff pastry provides carbohydrates that offer energy. This dessert can be a healthier choice when served with a small portion of vanilla ice cream, adding calcium and protein.

Inspired Pairings

This dessert pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet white wine, as well as with a flavorful coffee. Regardless of your choice, a moment of indulgence is guaranteed.

In conclusion, apples in puff pastry are a quick and simple dessert but with a remarkable impact. I encourage you to experiment and enjoy the cooking process, reminding you of the beautiful moments spent with family and friends. Remember, every recipe you prepare is a story, and this recipe can easily become one of your favorites! Happy cooking!