Description

These delicate Apple Roses are a visually stunning and delicious dessert made from thinly sliced red apples and flaky puff pastry rolled into rose shapes. They are cinnamon-sweetened and brushed with apricot preserves, baked until golden, making a perfect treat for special occasions or a charming afternoon snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
All-purpose flour, for dusting
Powdered sugar, optional for dusting

Fruit

2 medium or 3 small red apples
Juice of 1 lemon

Pastry & Others

1 lb or 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 Tbsp apricot preserves or apple jelly

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 375˚F and position the rack in the center. Butter or spray a 12-count muffin tin to prepare it for the pastries.
Slice Apples Thinly: Cut apples in half, remove cores, then slice very thinly (about 1/16-inch) parallel to the base. Place slices in a bowl with just enough water to cover and add lemon juice. Microwave for 3-4 minutes until soft and flexible but not mushy. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Roll and Cut Pastry Strips: On a floured surface, roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry to 1/8” thickness (approx. 14” x 10”). Cut into six strips about 2” wide and 10” long using a pizza cutter or knife.
Assemble Roses: Brush the center of each pastry strip with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Arrange 6-7 apple slices along the top half of the strip peel side up, overlapping slightly, with edges extending beyond the pastry. Brush apricot preserves evenly over the apples.
Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip up over the bottom of the apples. Starting at one end, carefully roll the strip into a rose shape. Place each rose into the prepared muffin tin. Repeat for remaining strips.
Bake and Finish: Brush the assembled roses with remaining butter and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake at 375˚F for about 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and fully baked. Tent with foil during the last 10 minutes if apples brown too quickly. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use red apples like Gala or Fuji for a lovely color and sweetness.
Be sure to slice apples very thinly to ensure they soften when microwaved.
Thoroughly dry apple slices before assembly to prevent soggy pastry.
Apricot preserves add shine and sweetness but can be substituted with apple jelly.
Use foil to tent the roses in the oven if the apples brown too quickly to avoid burning.
This recipe works well with store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
Serve these pastries warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple roses, puff pastry dessert, easy apple pastries, cinnamon apple dessert, fruit roses, apricot glaze dessert