Introduction

Apple Roses are a stunning and delicious dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Made with thinly sliced apples wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked until golden, they are perfect for special occasions or a cozy treat.

A white plate holds multiple apple rose pastries shaped like delicate roses, each with several layers of thinly sliced golden brown and slightly caramelized apple slices curled around a base of flaky, light golden puff pastry. The pastry edges are crisp and have a darker brown, toasted look. The apple slices show gradients of yellow, red, and light brown from baking, with a shiny glaze of cinnamon sugar on top. The plate rests on a soft pink cloth, and bright red apples with smooth skin are placed nearby on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 medium or 3 small red apples
Juice of 1 lemon
1 lb or 2 sheets of puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
All-purpose flour (for dusting)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
3 Tbsp apricot preserves or apple jelly
Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375˚F and position a rack in the center. Butter or spray a 12-count muffin tin. Stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Step 2: Cut the apples in half and remove the core. Slice each half into very thin slices (about 1/16-inch thick), cutting parallel to the base. Place the slices in a bowl, cover with water, and add the lemon juice. Microwave for 3-4 minutes until softened but not mushy. Drain and pat dry.
Step 3: On a floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness, roughly 14” by 10”. Cut into 6 even strips, each about 2” wide by 10” long.
Step 4: Brush the center of each pastry strip with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Arrange 6-7 apple slices along the top half of the strip with the peel side up, overlapping slightly and letting edges hang over the pastry. Brush apricot preserves over the apples.
Step 5: Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip up over the apples. Starting at one end, carefully roll the strip into a rose shape. Place each rose in the prepared muffin tin. Repeat with remaining strips and apples.
Step 6: Brush the tops of the roses with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake for about 40 minutes until the pastry is golden and cooked through. If the apples brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. Let cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Soften apple slices gently to avoid tearing during rolling, but don’t overcook to prevent mushiness.
Swap apricot preserves for apple jelly or honey for different flavor nuances.
Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Storage

Store leftover apple roses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven (about 300˚F) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

The image shows four round apple rose pastries arranged on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has multiple layers of golden brown flaky crust forming the base and sides, topped with thinly sliced apple pieces arranged in a spiral to look like a rose; the apple slices are caramelized with a cinnamon sugar coating giving a reddish-brown color on the edges and a glossy texture. The layers of apples are visible with some slight crispiness on the tips and softer, lighter yellow inside petals. There are a few crumbs on the plate near the pastries, enhancing the fresh baked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make apple roses ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple slices and pastry strips a few hours ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving to enjoy the freshest texture.

What if I don’t have a microwave to soften the apples?

You can soften the apple slices in a small pot with water and lemon juice over low heat for a few minutes, stirring gently until flexible but not mushy.