Flaky puff pastry filled with caramelized apples & cinnamon, baked golden, optionally topped with lemon-butter sauce—perfect cozy dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Golden and flaky – bakery-quality puff pastry with crisp, buttery layers
- Warm apple filling – sweet and spiced with cinnamon and fresh lemon zest
- Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes
- Versatile treat – serve for dessert, breakfast, or alongside coffee
- Impressive but simple – elegant presentation with minimal effort
- Optional lemon-butter sauce – adds a tangy, rich finish
- Make-ahead friendly – can be prepped and baked just before serving
- Kid-friendly – fun to eat and subtly sweet
- Great for gatherings – perfect finger food for guests
- Cozy flavors – classic fall-inspired comfort in every bite
Ingredients
- 800g puff pastry (28 oz)
- 3 red apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2g ground cinnamon (0.1 oz)
- 120g sugar (4.2 oz)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 100g sugar (3.5 oz)
- 8g lemon zest (0.3 oz)
Additionally (for optional lemon-butter sauce):
- 30ml lemon juice (1 fl oz)
- 3 eggs
- 50g butter (1.8 oz)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, 120g sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 8 equal rectangles.
- Place a spoonful of the apple mixture on one half of each rectangle.
- Fold over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Beat the egg and brush over each pastry for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Optional Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a saucepan over low heat, whisk the eggs, 100g sugar, and lemon juice.
- Add the butter and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve warm with the pastries.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 8 pastries
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per pastry
Variations
- Use pears instead of apples for a mellow flavor
- Add raisins or sultanas for extra sweetness
- Include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Add vanilla or almond extract to the apple filling
- Spice it up with a dash of nutmeg or allspice
- Top with glaze made of powdered sugar and milk
- Dust with cinnamon sugar right after baking
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Try store-bought apple pie filling for an even quicker version
- Make them mini by cutting the pastry into smaller squares
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5–7 minutes for crispness
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds for a quick reheat, though they’ll be softer
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month, then bake from frozen adding 5 extra minutes
FAQs
Can I Use Green Apples Instead Of Red?
Yes, Granny Smith or other tart apples work well and balance the sweetness.
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Absolutely, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and saves time.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them until ready to bake, or freeze them unbaked.
Can I Make This Without Egg Wash?
Yes, you can use milk or cream for brushing the tops instead of egg wash.
Do I Have To Peel The Apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for extra fiber.
What’s The Best Way To Seal The Edges?
Press with a fork to crimp the edges, or use a pastry wheel for a decorative seal.
Is The Lemon Butter Sauce Necessary?
Not at all—it’s optional, but it adds a luxurious citrus finish if desired.
Can I Add Caramel To The Filling?
Yes, a drizzle of caramel with the apples makes these extra decadent.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry and check all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.
Can I Serve These Cold?
Yes, they’re delicious cold, though they’re best slightly warm for flakiness.
Conclusion
These Caramelized Apple Puff Pastry Pillows offer a delightful fusion of flakiness and fruity warmth, perfect for any time of year. Whether served on their own or with a rich lemon-butter sauce, they’re bound to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Whip up a batch and enjoy the comfort of homemade pastries with a gourmet twist.
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Caramelized Apple Puff Pastry Pillows
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky puff pastry filled with caramelized apples & cinnamon, baked golden, optionally topped with lemon-butter sauce—perfect cozy dessert!
Ingredients
800g puff pastry (28 oz)
3 red apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2g ground cinnamon (0.1 oz)
120g sugar (4.2 oz)
1 egg (for egg wash)
100g sugar (3.5 oz)
8g lemon zest (0.3 oz)
Optional Lemon-Butter Sauce:
30ml lemon juice (1 fl oz)
3 eggs
50g butter (1.8 oz)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a tray with parchment paper.
Mix sliced apples, 120g sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Roll out puff pastry and cut into 8 rectangles.
Add apple filling on half of each, fold over, and seal edges with a fork.
Brush tops with egg wash.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
Lemon-Butter Sauce (Optional):
In a saucepan, whisk eggs, 100g sugar, and lemon juice over low heat.
Add butter, stirring constantly until thickened.
Serve pastries warm with the sauce.
Notes
- Substitute pears for apples for a twist.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery finish.
- Pastries can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-inspired