This rustic spiced apple pastry is the perfect embodiment of autumn's comforting flavors. Made with a soft, enriched dough and filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple mixture, this pastry is an ideal treat for crisp fall days. The touch of lemon juice adds a hint of freshness to the sweet, caramelized apples, while the honey glaze and crunchy walnut topping provide a delightful finishing touch. Whether served warm with a cup of coffee or cold for a quick snack, this pastry is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spiced apple pastry is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting embrace of autumn in every bite. The soft dough, which rises to pillowy perfection, provides the perfect base for the sweet and tangy apple filling. The brown sugar and cinnamon bring warmth, and the hint of lemon cuts through the sweetness for a balanced flavor. The honey glaze adds just the right amount of sticky sweetness, while the finely chopped walnuts give a lovely crunch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, you'll love the ease and rewarding flavors of this recipe.
Perfect Occasion to Make This Recipe
This apple pastry is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or as a warm afternoon snack on a chilly day. It’s also a great treat for family get-togethers or simply to enjoy with a warm beverage on a cozy evening. The rustic presentation makes it a charming addition to any autumn table, while its sweet, spiced flavors capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to fill your home with the delicious aroma of baked apples and cinnamon, this pastry is an excellent choice.
Decoration Tips
After baking, brush the pastries with the honey-milk glaze for a glossy finish, and sprinkle with finely chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor. For an extra touch, you can dust the top with a little powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon. To create a more dramatic presentation, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the pastries. If serving for a gathering, arrange the pastries on a platter with fresh apple slices or small bowls of whipped cream for dipping.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 egg
- 200 ml milk
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 100 g chocolate chips
- 500 g flour
- 7 g dry yeast
- Pinch of salt
- Lemon zest
For the filling:
- 6-7 apples, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Lemon juice (from one lemon)
For the topping:
- Milk mixed with a little honey
- Finely chopped walnuts
- Extra brown sugar for sprinkling
Method:
- Prepare the apple filling: Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. Toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate the filling for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix together the egg, milk, granulated sugar, flour, yeast, and salt. Add a pinch of lemon zest for flavor. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the pastries: Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and roll each piece into thin sheets. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough. Gently fold and roll the dough to enclose the filling, forming long rolls. Shape each roll into an "8" by connecting the ends together.
- Rest and preheat the oven: Place the shaped pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for another 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 180°C.
- Bake: Brush the pastries with milk and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Glaze and finish: After baking, allow the pastries to cool for 5-6 minutes. Mix honey with a little milk and brush the pastries with this glaze. Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts and a little extra brown sugar on top.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or cold, paired with coffee or tea for a perfect autumn treat.
Enjoy! These pastries make an excellent addition to any cozy fall gathering or as a delightful dessert to enjoy on a cool autumn day.