These Delicate Apple Rose Pastry Blooms are an elegant treat that looks like they took hours to make, but they’re surprisingly simple. Thinly sliced apples are rolled in buttery puff pastry with a touch of cinnamon and sugar to create beautiful, rose-shaped pastries that are as delicious as they are eye-catching.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these apple rose pastries combine minimal ingredients with maximum impact. They’re perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or even as a show-stopping dessert. The soft, sweet apples paired with crispy, golden pastry and a whisper of spice make these irresistible. Plus, I get to impress guests with their stunning appearance while knowing they took very little time to prepare.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- Red apples (like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
- Lemon juice
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Apricot jam or preserves
- Water (for thinning the jam)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
- I start by slicing the apples in half, coring them, and slicing them very thinly—about 1/8 inch or less.
- I place the slices in a bowl of water with lemon juice and microwave them for a couple of minutes until they’re pliable.
- While the apples cool slightly, I roll out the puff pastry and cut it into strips about 2 inches wide.
- I spread a thin layer of apricot jam thinned with a bit of water over each strip.
- I arrange the apple slices along one long edge of the pastry strip, overlapping slightly, with the rounded peel edges sticking out over the top.
- I sprinkle cinnamon and sugar lightly over the apples before folding the bottom half of the pastry over them.
- Then I carefully roll each strip into a rose shape and place them into a greased muffin tin.
- I bake the roses at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- After cooling slightly, I like to dust them with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe typically makes 6 to 8 apple rose pastries, depending on the size of the puff pastry and apple slices.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour
Variations
I sometimes swap apricot jam for raspberry or apple jelly for a flavor twist. For a richer taste, I add a few dots of butter between the apple layers. When I want to make it more indulgent, I drizzle caramel over the baked roses or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I’ve also used a mix of red and green apples to create a two-tone rose effect.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they’re best on the first day. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place the pastries in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them up without drying them out. I avoid microwaving, as it makes the pastry soggy.
FAQs
How thin should I slice the apples?
I slice them very thinly—about 1/8 inch thick—so they bend easily without breaking. Soft apple slices are key for forming smooth rose shapes.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, I leave the peel on. The red peel adds a beautiful rose petal effect and helps hold the shape during baking.
Can I make these apple roses ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the apple slices and pastry strips a few hours ahead. I store them separately and assemble right before baking for the best texture.
What’s the best type of apple to use?
I prefer using sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. They hold their shape and offer great flavor after baking.
Can I use homemade pastry dough?
Absolutely. I sometimes use homemade puff pastry or pie dough for a more rustic look and flavor. Just be sure it’s rolled thin enough to bake evenly.
Conclusion
These Delicate Apple Rose Pastry Blooms are a lovely way to elevate a simple dessert into something truly special. I always enjoy how something so easy can turn out looking like a bakery masterpiece. Whether I’m hosting brunch or just craving a sweet treat, these apple roses never fail to impress.
PrintDelicate Apple Rose Pastry Blooms
Delicate Apple Rose Pastry Blooms are elegant, rose-shaped desserts made with puff pastry and thinly sliced apples, rolled with cinnamon and sugar, and baked to golden perfection. They’re simple to make yet visually stunning and delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 pastries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 2 red apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons apricot jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon water (for thinning jam)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Slice apples in half, core them, and cut into very thin slices (about 1/8 inch).
- Place apple slices in a bowl with lemon juice and water. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until pliable.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 2-inch wide strips.
- Mix apricot jam with water and spread a thin layer over each pastry strip.
- Arrange apple slices along one long edge of each strip, overlapping slightly with peel edges sticking out.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar evenly over the apple slices.
- Fold the bottom half of the pastry over the apple slices.
- Roll each strip into a rose shape and place into the muffin tin.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Microwaving the apples makes them easier to roll.
- You can swap apricot jam for raspberry or apple jelly for variation.
- Use a mix of red and green apples for a two-tone rose effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
