Delve into the world of baking with these crisp Apple Puff Pastry Delights, a simple yet elegant dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh apples with the rich aroma of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts, all encased in a flaky, golden puff pastry. This delightful treat is perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that is not too sweet but rich in flavors and textures.
Why You'll Love This: The combination of juicy apples, fragrant cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts wrapped in a buttery puff pastry offers a satisfying crunch with a burst of flavors. The addition of lemon zest and juice enhances the freshness and balances the sweetness of the apples, making each bite refreshingly delightful. These pastries are easy to make and serve, ensuring a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Perfect Occasion: These Apple Puff Pastry Delights are perfect for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or as a warm treat on a chilly evening. They can also be a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert table or served at a casual family dinner as a sweet ending to your meal.
Decoration Tips: Before baking, sprinkle the pastries with a light dusting of powdered sugar or almond flakes for an extra touch of elegance. Serve them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm spices.
Ingredients:
- 600g puff pastry dough
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 200 ml water
- A handful of coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1 egg yolk, beaten for glazing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes until the apples start to soften.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in water and stir it into the apple mixture. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, then cook for one more minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool, stirring occasionally to release heat.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes and sizes.
- Brush the edges of each pastry with beaten egg yolk. Place a portion of the cooled apple mixture on one half of each pastry piece. Sprinkle some chopped walnuts over the apple mixture.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the top of each pastry with more egg yolk. For an optional garnish, sprinkle with almond flakes.
- Bake:
- Place the prepared pastries on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the pastries cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Enjoy! These Apple Puff Pastry Delights are a simple yet sophisticated treat that combines classic flavors in a wonderfully flaky and crisp pastry, perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet, satisfying dessert.