Caramelized apples in dough

Caramelized Apples in Dough: A Simple and Delicious Treat

When it comes to quick desserts, few can compare to caramelized apples in dough. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also adds a touch of elegance to any meal. The apples, with their natural sweetness, perfectly combine with the warm flavors of cinnamon and caramel, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. So, get ready to delight your taste buds!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 3

Necessary ingredients:

- 100-150 g puff pastry (or leftover pastry from a tart)
- 1 and ½ apples (approximately 300 g)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of butter
- 2 small glasses of cognac or rum
- 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream (preferably)

Recipe overview:

Caramelized apples in dough are a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The flaky and light puff pastry embraces the sweet and aromatic apples, while the sugar and butter caramel add a layer of richness. This recipe is ideal for using leftover pastry and can be adapted with various types of apples, depending on your preferences.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the apples:
- Start by peeling the apples. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin, being careful not to hurt your fingers.
- Cut each apple in half, yielding 3 halves. Remove the seeds and stem, then replace them with a cinnamon stick in each apple. This step not only adds flavor but also creates an appealing look.

2. Preparing the dough:
- Roll out the puff pastry with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. Make sure not to make it too thin, but thick enough to support the apples.
- Wrap each apple half in the dough, leaving the cut side exposed to caramelize beautifully in the oven.

3. Caramelizing the sugar:
- In a skillet with a detachable handle, add the 3 tablespoons of sugar and let it caramelize over medium heat. Be careful, the sugar will melt and take on a golden color.
- Once the sugar has caramelized, add the butter and mix well. When the butter has completely melted, add the cognac (or rum) and mix again. The aroma will be incredible!

4. Baking:
- Place the apple halves cut side down in the skillet over the caramel. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to combine.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius and bake for 30 minutes or until the dough turns golden and crispy.

5. Serving:
- Once baked, remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, with a generous drizzle of caramel from the skillet and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The ice cream will perfectly complement the warmth of the caramelized apples.

Useful tips:

- Choosing apples: Use apples with mild acidity, such as green apples or Granny Smith, to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
- Alcohol-free option: If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can omit the cognac or rum and add a bit of water instead.
- Ice cream: You can experiment with different types of ice cream, such as caramel or cinnamon, to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional information:
This recipe for caramelized apples in dough contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the type of ice cream used. Apples are attributed with numerous benefits, including their high fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant content, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of dough?
- Yes, you can use tart dough or even pizza dough for a different texture.

2. How can I store leftovers?
- Caramelized apples in dough can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

3. What other recipes can they be combined with?
- These caramelized apples go wonderfully with a vanilla pie or an oatmeal crumble, and a sweet white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Let your creativity shine and enjoy every bite of these delicious caramelized apples in dough. Bon appétit!