Name: Stunning Apple Roses
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 red apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), thinly sliced; 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp apricot preserves or apple jelly; 2 tbsp granulated sugar or brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; All-purpose flour (for dusting); Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

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Stunning Apple Roses are delicate, elegant, and surprisingly simple pastries that look like they came straight from a bakery window. Thin apple slices are rolled in sweet, buttery pastry to resemble blooming roses—each one lightly caramelized, golden, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor. I love making these for brunch, holidays, or any time I want to serve a dessert that wows without needing advanced baking skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these apple roses are both beautiful and delicious. They have the perfect balance of soft, tender apples and crisp, flaky pastry, all wrapped up in a visually stunning treat. They’re made with basic ingredients, and once I get the hang of rolling them, they’re actually easy and fun to assemble. Whether I’m impressing guests or just treating myself to something pretty, these little roses always steal the show.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Red apples (like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji – thinly sliced)
Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Ground cinnamon
Granulated sugar or brown sugar
Apricot preserves or apple jelly (for brushing)
All-purpose flour (for dusting)
Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by slicing the apples in half, removing the cores, and cutting them into very thin slices—about 1/8 inch thick.
I place the slices in a bowl with water and lemon juice, then microwave them for about 3 minutes to soften so they roll easily.
I roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 strips.
I mix the sugar and cinnamon together and spread a thin layer of apricot preserves over each pastry strip.
I lay overlapping apple slices along the top half of each strip, with the rounded side sticking out slightly over the edge.
I fold the bottom half of the pastry up over the apple slices, then gently roll the strip from one end to the other to form a rose shape.
I place each rolled apple rose in a muffin tin and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
Once cooled slightly, I dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 apple roses.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour

Variations

I’ve used pear slices instead of apples for a different but equally lovely result.
For more spice, I add nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
A drizzle of caramel sauce on top gives them a rich, dessert-like finish.
I sometimes use apple butter or cinnamon sugar spread instead of preserves.
For a slightly tangy note, I add a bit of lemon zest to the filling.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispness. The microwave works too, but the pastry softens.

FAQs

Do I have to peel the apples?

No, I leave the skins on because they add color and help form the petal effect. Just make sure to slice them very thin.

Can I use a different type of pastry?

Puff pastry works best, but I’ve tried it with crescent roll dough and homemade pastry as well—it just needs to be thin and pliable.

My pastry is getting too dark—what can I do?

I loosely cover the top with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if it starts browning too quickly while the inside finishes cooking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. I don’t recommend assembling the day before since the apples can release moisture.

What kind of apples work best?

I prefer red apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala because they’re sweet and hold their shape. I avoid very soft varieties.

Conclusion

Stunning Apple Roses are the kind of dessert that makes people pause before the first bite—then ask for seconds. I love how these little pastries are both simple and elegant, turning basic ingredients into something truly beautiful. Whether I’m baking them for brunch, tea time, or a cozy evening in, they always bring a touch of charm to the table.