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Caramel apple puff pastry is an easy dessert that combines buttery pastry, tart apples, and sweet caramel—perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or a festive family treat. With classic apple pie comfort and French pastry elegance, this recipe suits both special occasions and cozy weekends.
I first served these easy caramel apple puff pastries at a fall dinner, and they vanished within minutes. The flaky layers and gooey caramel make this easy dessert recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite every time.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Puff pastry: Essential for crisp, flaky structure—choose a brand with real butter for best flavor
- Tart apples: Thinly sliced for juicy, tangy contrast—Granny Smith apples work beautifully
- Granulated sugar: Blends with cinnamon and salt for a spiced aromatic sweetness
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and classic apple dessert flavor
- Butter: Thin pats melt into the filling for richness—European-style gives extra creaminess
- Prepared caramel sauce: Silky bakery-style glaze for deep, sweet finishing touch
- Vanilla ice cream (optional): A cool, creamy topping that contrasts with the warm pastry
How to Make It
- Prepare the Oven:
- Set oven to four hundred twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure puff pastry is thawed but slightly chilled for flakiness.
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
- Slice apples thinly. In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt for a fragrant spiced sugar blend.
- Shape and Prick the Pastry:
- Unfold puff pastry on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut into six rectangles and prick centers with a fork to reduce puffing.
- Arrange Apples and Add Toppings:
- Layer apple slices along each pastry rectangle’s center. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and place a thin pat of butter on top.
- Bake until Golden and Flaky:
- Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden with apple edges softened—watch closely to prevent over-browning.
- Finish and Serve Warm:
- Drizzle warm pastries generously with caramel sauce. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired and serve immediately.
During apple picking season, our family loves making these single-serve caramel apple puff pastries as a new weekend baking tradition—a holiday dessert favorite that brings everyone together.
Flavor Boosters
Enhance your easy apple dessert with extra spices like nutmeg or ginger, add a sprinkle of sea salt after baking, or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pastries as a showstopping holiday dessert on a platter with toppings like toasted nuts or ice cream, or enjoy them as a quick weeknight treat for family dinners.
Creative Twists
For a vegan option, use dairy-free buttery spread and coconut sugar. Make a gluten-free swap using certified gluten-free puff pastry, or create a low carb version by layering apples and caramel over baked cheese crisps.
Make this caramel apple puff pastry recipe your go-to easy dessert for holiday parties or family weekends. It's the perfect combination of classic flavors and simple, crowd-pleasing presentation.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a perfect balance to the sweet caramel and cinnamon flavors.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
While best fresh, you can reheat leftovers in the oven for a crisp pastry texture before serving.
- → Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Leaving skins on adds color and a slight texture, but peeled apples will be softer.
- → How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Prick the centers with a fork so steam escapes, and avoid excess liquid on the pastry before baking.
- → What can I serve alongside?
Vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly with warm caramel apple puff pastry.