If you are looking for a stunning dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks, this Apple Roses Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delicate, flower-shaped pastries combine flaky puff pastry with thinly sliced, tender apples accented by warm cinnamon and a hint of apricot preserves, creating a treat that is both visually breathtaking and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, this Apple Roses Recipe brings a touch of elegance to any occasion with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect Apple Roses Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, providing the balanced sweetness, spice, and texture that make this dessert so memorable.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the apples and adds a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Warming spice that pairs beautifully with apples for that classic fall flavor.
- Red apples (2 medium or 3 small): Thinly sliced for creating the delicate rose petals—choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Prevents the apple slices from browning and adds a subtle bright note.
- Puff pastry (1 lb or 2 sheets, thawed): The flaky base that wraps those tender apples into elegant roses.
- All-purpose flour: For dusting the surface to prevent sticking during rolling and cutting.
- Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp, melted): Brushed on for a rich, golden finish and added flavor.
- Apricot preserves or apple jelly (3 Tbsp): Provides glossy sweetness and helps the apples stick to the pastry.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting that adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Apple Roses Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375˚F, placing a rack in the center to ensure even baking. Grease a 12-count muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray to keep your roses perfectly shaped and easy to remove after baking. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl – this mixture will become the fragrant sprinkle that enhances every bite of your apple roses.
Step 2: Slice and Soften the Apples
Cut your apples in half, core them, and slice thinly—aim for about 1/16-inch thickness so the slices can curl nicely. Arrange the slices in a bowl, cover them with water, and add fresh lemon juice to keep their bright color. Microwave just long enough (3-4 minutes) to soften the slices until they’re flexible without turning mushy. This step is critical because it ensures your apple petals are pliable enough to roll without snapping.
Step 3: Prepare Puff Pastry Strips
On a floured surface, roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry to 1/8-inch thickness. It should measure around 14 by 10 inches. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the dough into six equal strips (roughly 2 by 10 inches each). These strips will become the canvas for your apple slices, so precise cutting helps keep your roses uniform and lovely.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Petals on Pastry
Brush each strip’s center with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for that classic flavor burst. Lay overlapping apple slices along the top half of each strip, peel-side up, with edges slightly extending beyond the dough—this creates the signature rose petal effect when rolled. Don’t forget to brush apricot preserves over the apples to add shine and stickiness, ensuring the petals hold their shape beautifully.
Step 5: Fold Pastry and Roll Into Roses
Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip over the apples, then carefully roll up from one end, shaping the strip into a delicate rose. Place each finished rose into the prepared muffin tin cup. This step transforms the simple ingredients into a charming edible flower—take your time here for the prettiest results.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush all the pastries with the remaining butter and sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden and fully cooked, and the apples are tender. If the apples look like they’re browning too quickly, tent the pan with foil for the final 10 minutes. After baking, cool the roses briefly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. A light dusting of powdered sugar at serving adds an extra touch of sweetness and charm.
How to Serve Apple Roses Recipe
Garnishes
These apple roses are stunning on their own, but a light sprinkle of powdered sugar can really elevate their presentation. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce can also turn these roses into a decadent dessert sensation that will wow any guest.
Side Dishes
Apple Roses Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh coffee or a hot cup of spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a brunch menu, serve alongside creamy yogurt or ricotta cheese with a drizzle of honey to balance the pastry’s sweetness. Light salads featuring nuts and citrus also complement the dessert’s flavors if you’re including it as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange apple roses on a rustic wooden board for a charming, hands-on dessert presentation at gatherings. You can also serve each rose in a decorative cupcake liner for easy serving. For a lovely gift idea, place several roses in a clear box tied with ribbon—these sweet floral pastries make a wonderful homemade gift that feels as thoughtful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any apple roses left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep the puff pastry flaky while preserving the tender apples. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause the pastry to lose its crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked apple roses by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to have these beautiful desserts ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat apple roses gently in a preheated 325ËšF oven for 5-8 minutes to refresh the crispness of the puff pastry and warm the apples. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy. Warmed up this way, they almost taste freshly baked again!
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Roses Recipe?
Absolutely! While firm red apples are ideal for picture-perfect petals, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples also work well. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape when softened.
Do I need to peel the apples for apple roses?
No peeling is necessary since the apple slices are arranged peel-side up to mimic rose petals. The peel adds beautiful color and helps the slices hold together when rolled.
Can I make Apple Roses Recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free puff pastry available at specialty stores to make this dessert gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like preserves, are gluten-free as well.
What is the best way to slice the apples thinly?
Using a mandoline slicer is the easiest way to get consistently thin apple slices around 1/16th inch thick, which is important for flexibility and visual appeal of the roses.
How long do apple roses keep fresh?
When stored correctly at room temperature in an airtight container, apple roses stay fresh for about two days. For longer storage, consider freezing before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Roses Recipe is one of those delightful little miracles that look much more complicated than they are. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a stunning dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and wow-factor to your table. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy both the process and the delicious outcome as much as I do. Happy baking!
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Apple Roses Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These beautiful and delicious Apple Roses are made by wrapping thinly sliced apples in buttery puff pastry, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a fancy dessert or a sweet snack, they feature tender, slightly caramelized apples with a hint of apricot glaze, making a visually stunning treat that is as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Fruit
- 2 medium or 3 small red apples
- Juice of 1 lemon
Dairy
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Other
- 1 lb or 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
- 3 Tbsp apricot preserves or apple jelly
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 375ËšF (190ËšC) and place the rack in the center. Butter or spray a 12-count muffin tin to prevent sticking. Mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside for later use.
- Slice and soften apples: Core the apples and cut into very thin slices (about 1/16-inch thick) by slicing parallel to the base after halving. Place the apple slices in a bowl, cover with enough water to submerge, and squeeze lemon juice over to prevent browning. Microwave for 3-4 minutes until slices are just softened and flexible but not mushy. Drain well and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Prepare puff pastry strips: On a floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and roll it out to approximately 1/8-inch thickness, around 14 inches long by 10 inches wide. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the pastry evenly into 6 strips about 2 inches wide by 10 inches long.
- Assemble apple roses: Take one pastry strip and brush the center area lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Arrange 6-7 apple slices along the top half of the strip with the peel side up, overlapping slightly and allowing the edges to hang just above the pastry. Brush the apple slices with apricot preserves or apple jelly to add sweetness and help hold the apples together.
- Fold and roll: Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip upwards over the apples to cover the bottom edges. Starting at one end, carefully roll the strip to form a rose shape, with the apple slices creating the petals. Place the rolled rose into one cup of the prepared muffin tin. Repeat with remaining strips and apples.
- Bake and finish: Brush the tops of all apple roses with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake in the preheated oven at 375ËšF for 40 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked. If apples begin to brown too quickly, tent the pan loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Once baked, allow roses to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use firm red apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for best texture and appearance.
- Microwaving softens the apple slices so they can be easily rolled without breaking.
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed to avoid cracking when rolling.
- If you don’t have apricot preserves, apple jelly or any clear fruit jelly can be used as a glaze.
- These roses are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days and gently reheated.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.
