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Buttery Cinnamon Apple Puff Pastry: Easy 30-Min Recipe

Buttery cinnamon apple puff pastry - featured image

A quick and easy dessert featuring flaky puff pastry filled with caramelized cinnamon apples. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a last-minute treat or a cozy weekend bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples (about 450g), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch cubes (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 sheet (about 250g) puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Peel, core, and dice 3 medium apples into ½-inch cubes. Set aside.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, then add the diced apples. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
  4. Add ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir together and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the apples are tender and the liquid has thickened into a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If needed, gently roll it out into a 10×10-inch square. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares (or 6 smaller rectangles).
  6. Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the caramelized apple mixture onto the center of each square, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
  7. For a classic turnover shape, fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together with a fork to seal. Alternatively, leave them open-faced for a tart-style presentation.
  8. In a small bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the pastries. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the caramelization step—it transforms the flavor. Keep puff pastry cold for best results. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks. Let pastries cool slightly before serving as filling is very hot.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple puff pastry, cinnamon apple pastry, easy dessert, 30-minute recipe, puff pastry dessert, caramelized apples