Caramel apple puff pastry is a quick and elegant dessert that delivers bakery-quality results right at home. With flaky golden layers of puff pastry, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and ribbons of gooey caramel, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that feels both rustic and luxurious.
Unlike more complicated pastries, this recipe uses store-bought puff pastry sheets, which makes it beginner-friendly while still looking impressive enough for guests. Whether you prepare it for a family gathering, a holiday table, or just to treat yourself on a cozy fall evening, caramel apple puff pastry offers that warm apple-caramel flavor in every bite.
It’s also versatile—you can make small hand pies, turnovers, or even braid the pastry for a stunning centerpiece. Best of all, this dessert comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 10×10 inches)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth edges.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are softened and coated in syrup. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
- Cut puff pastry into 4 equal squares (or keep whole for one large pastry).
- Place a spoonful of apple mixture in the center of each square. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Fold pastry over (to form rectangles or triangles) and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 4: Bake
- Place pastries on the prepared sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow pastries to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Twist: Use salted caramel for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
- Nutty Puff Pastry: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for crunch.
- Mini Bites: Cut pastry into smaller squares for appetizer-style treats.
- Braided Pastry: Layer apples and caramel in the center of a puff pastry sheet, cut slits along sides, and braid for a bakery-style look.
Cooking Notes
- Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
- Do not overload pastries with apples—too much filling can cause leaks.
- Baking time may vary depending on pastry brand and oven.
- Store-bought caramel sauce works well, but homemade adds extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pair with hot coffee, spiced cider, or chai tea for a cozy dessert.
- Cut into strips for a sweet brunch option.
💡 Tips
- Work quickly with puff pastry to prevent it from getting too warm.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance caramel sweetness.
- For crispier bottoms, bake on a preheated baking sheet.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
Nutritional Information (per pastry, 4 servings)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
- Yes. Assemble the pastries, refrigerate unbaked, and bake just before serving.
Q2: Can I use puff pastry shells instead of sheets?
- Absolutely. Fill baked shells with apples and caramel for a simpler version.
Q3: What’s the best caramel to use?
- Thick caramel sauce works best so it doesn’t run too much while baking.
Q4: Can I freeze baked pastries?
- Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.
Q5: Do I need to peel the apples?
- Peeling is optional, but it gives a smoother filling texture.
Conclusion
Caramel apple puff pastry is a dessert that feels elegant yet couldn’t be easier to make. With buttery puff pastry, tender spiced apples, and a drizzle of gooey caramel, it’s a recipe that celebrates the best flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you serve it as a cozy weeknight treat or a show-stopping holiday dessert, this caramel apple puff pastry is guaranteed to impress with its simplicity and taste.