Caramel Apples

Caramelized Apple Pastries – a sweet delight that's easy to make!

A delicious dessert that combines the intense flavors of caramelized apples with the fluffy texture of pastry dough is perfect for moments when we want to indulge in something sweet. Caramelized apple pastries are not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary tradition that has stood the test of time, enjoyed at festive meals and family indulgent moments. This dessert is easy to prepare, and the ingredients are accessible to everyone.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 5 large apples
- 150 g sugar for caramelizing
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)
- 500 g flour
- 1 small cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 70 g sugar for the dough
- 280 ml milk
- 50 g butter or margarine
- A pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk for brushing

Step by step for caramelized apple pastries:

1. Preparing the caramelized apples:

Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the apples. Choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Jonagold apples, which caramelize wonderfully. In a pan, add the 150 g of sugar along with a few drops of water. Caramelize the sugar over medium heat, stirring gently to prevent burning. When the sugar turns golden, remove the pan from the heat and pour the caramel into a baking dish.

2. Cooking the apples:

Over the caramel in the dish, add the diced apples and sprinkle cinnamon to taste. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let the apples bake for 20-25 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. After they cool slightly, use an immersion blender to turn the apples into puree.

3. Preparing the dough:

In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in 60 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the remaining sugar, melted butter, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Add the yeast mixture and the remaining milk, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes. If the dough sticks to your hands, feel free to add a little more flour.

4. First rise:

Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the pastries:

Once the dough has risen, divide it into balls of 50-60 g. Roll each ball into an oval shape, cutting thin strips on one side, up to halfway. On the other half, add the apple puree and roll it up, making sure to keep the strips on top, like a frill.

6. Second rise:

Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and milk, and if desired, sprinkle a little sugar on top for extra sweetness. Let them rise for another 15 minutes.

7. Baking:

Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pastries for 25 minutes or until they turn golden and brown. Be careful not to burn the bottoms. Once baked, let them cool slightly before dusting with vanilla sugar.

Serving suggestions:

These caramelized apple pastries are delicious served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. A perfect combination would be to serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an extra indulgence. Additionally, a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional information:

This dessert is rich in carbohydrates from flour and sugar, while the apples provide a good amount of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants. A serving of caramelized apple pastries offers about 250-300 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with tart apples or those with a more intense flavor. Each type of apple will bring its own flavor note.

2. How can I make the recipe healthier?
You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners or coconut sugar, and butter can be substituted with coconut oil or other vegetable fats.

3. What other filling options can I use?
Besides apples, you can add berries, sweetened cottage cheese, or even chocolate. Each variation will bring a new dimension to your dessert.

A unique detail:

To add a touch of originality, try sprinkling a little nutmeg alongside cinnamon in the apple puree. This combination will bring a more complex and interesting flavor to your dessert.

So, embark on this culinary adventure and treat your loved ones to a dessert that not only looks good but tastes divine. Enjoy!