These Oven-Baked Apple Pastries are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet cravings! With buttery, flaky pastry and a sweet, spiced apple filling, they bring the warmth and comfort of freshly baked apples wrapped in golden pastry. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, these easy-to-make pastries are sure to impress with their delicious flavor and beautiful golden-brown finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of flaky puff pastry and a caramelized apple filling makes these pastries a standout treat. The apples are tender and spiced with cinnamon and lemon juice, while the buttery pastry crisps up beautifully in the oven. These pastries are simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, whether it’s a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to a sweet snack, these apple pastries are sure to please!
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Apple Pastries
For these easy apple pastries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour – To help thicken the apple filling.
- 1 package (14 oz) puff pastry, thawed – This gives the pastries their flaky texture.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) – Helps the pastries become golden brown in the oven.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) – Adds a light, sweet finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Melt the butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Cook the apples: Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and caramelize slightly. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Thicken the filling: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens and becomes syrupy. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets: Lay out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares (you’ll end up with 12 squares).
- Add the filling: Place about a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of each square.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
- Fold each pastry square into a triangle, bringing opposite corners together over the filling.
- Seal the edges: Use a fork to press down along the edges of each pastry to seal them tightly. This will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
- Brush each pastry with a thin layer of the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish once they’re baked.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
- Cool slightly: Once the pastries are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar (optional): For an added touch of sweetness, dust the pastries with a little powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- As Breakfast: These apple pastries make a delightful breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
- For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
- As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon snack or to serve at a gathering—everyone will love the sweet, flaky bite.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Pastries
- Don’t overfill the pastries. A tablespoon of filling is enough to give you a balanced apple-to-pastry ratio.
- If you want a bit more crunch, sprinkle sugar on top of the egg wash before baking for a caramelized effect.
- For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the pastries the night before, refrigerate them, and bake them fresh in the morning!
Time to Make
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Conclusion
These Oven-Baked Apple Pastries are an irresistible treat with their flaky pastry and sweet apple filling. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a special dessert, or an easy snack, these pastries are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With minimal ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have bakery-quality apple pastries right at home!