Name: Pastry Apple Roses Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (2 sheets) Pepperidge Farms puff pastry sheets; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tbsp cinnamon powder; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 3 red apples (Fuji recommended); ½ lemon, juiced; 1–2 tsp granulated sugar; Small pinch cinnamon powder; 2 tbsp butter (for brushing); Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 196 reviews

If you are looking for an elegant yet surprisingly simple dessert to impress your friends and family, this Pastry Apple Roses Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Delicately layered thin apple slices nestled within buttery puff pastry petals create a beautiful rose shape that tastes as fabulous as it looks. The warm cinnamon and sugar blend perfectly with the tartness of the apples, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors. Plus, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet the result feels so special you might just want to make it your go-to dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top center, there is a folded sheet of rolled dough. Below it, three whole red apples with yellow highlights are placed, one near the middle and two on the left side. Two apple halves, showing their seeds and pale yellow inside, are placed at the bottom left. To the right of the apples, a small white bowl contains a square of light yellow butter, a second white bowl holds a mix of brown cinnamon and a white powder, and a third white bowl filled with granulated white sugar is near the bottom center. A half lemon with bright yellow flesh sits at the bottom right corner. A white cloth with red stripes is partly visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pastry Apple Roses Recipe is charmingly simple, relying on just a handful of essential ingredients that bring out the best in both taste and presentation. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the flaky puff pastry providing structure and buttery notes to the tart-sweet apples infused with cinnamon and sugar.

1 box (2 sheets) of Pepperidge Farms puff pastry sheets: This flaky, buttery pastry is your rose’s perfect base for elegant layers.
3 red apples (Fuji recommended): Crisp and slightly sweet apples hold their shape beautifully when thinly sliced.
½ lemon, juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apple slices from browning.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples just right without overpowering their natural flavor.
2 tablespoons butter: Brushed on pastry for richness and golden color.
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder: Brings warm spice notes that complement the apples perfectly.
Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting to finish your beautiful roses.

How to Make Pastry Apple Roses Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tray

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and spraying a muffin tray with nonstick spray. This ensures your charming apple roses won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped and easy to remove.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Wash your red apples, slice them in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the core. Then slice the apples thinly, widthwise, keeping the cut side facing down—this helps create the delicate ‘petals’ of your rose.

Step 3: Soak Apple Slices

Place the sliced apples in a bowl and squeeze juice from half a lemon over them to prevent browning and add a lovely tang. Then toss the slices with a small amount of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to infuse warmth and gentle sweetness.

Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Melt your butter and brush it evenly on one side of each puff pastry sheet. Next, combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle this mixture on top of the buttered pastry side for a sweet, spice-kissed base.

Step 5: Cut and Arrange the Pastry and Apples

Cut each pastry sheet into six equal strips. Along one edge of each strip, carefully lay thin apple slices overlapping slightly, then fold the plain side of the pastry over the apples to sandwich them in place. This layering is what will form the signature rose petal look.

Step 6: Roll Into Roses

Starting from one end, gently roll each strip to form a rose shape. Place each rolled rose into the prepared muffin tray so they hold their shape while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your apple roses in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch as they puff up and turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow your beautiful creations to cool in the muffin tray for about 10 minutes before carefully removing them. If you like, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

How to Serve Pastry Apple Roses Recipe

The image shows six small rose-shaped pastries in a metal muffin tray on a white marbled surface. Each pastry consists of thin slices of red and yellow apple arranged in a spiral to look like rose petals, with a beige dough layer underneath holding the apple slices together. The pastry dough curls around the edge, creating a soft, uneven border. The apples are smooth and glossy, showing a fresh texture, while the dough is matte and slightly rough. The spiral shapes fill the muffin spaces evenly, and there are light brown shades where cinnamon or spices are brushed on some parts of the dough and apple slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate snow-like effect, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a touch of sweetness. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside each rose.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or after-dinner treats. You can also serve it alongside a simple fresh green salad for a balanced meal that transitions well from savory to sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your pastry apple roses on a decorative platter or individual plates for a refined look. Another charming idea is to serve them in small glass jars or teacups for a whimsical touch at parties or brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these delectable pastries left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the puff pastry crisp and the apple slices tender.

Freezing

To save your apple roses for longer, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm your stored apple roses in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This reheats them gently without sogginess and revives that irresistible flakiness of the pastry.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

While Fuji apples are delightful for their sweetness and crispness, you can absolutely use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they bend easily without breaking.

Is it necessary to use puff pastry, or can I try another dough?

Puff pastry is ideal because of its flakiness and buttery layers that complement the tender apples. Using a less flaky dough may not achieve the same delicate rose effect, but a flaky pie dough could work in a pinch.

Can I prepare the apple slices ahead of time?

Yes, you can slice and soak the apples in lemon juice and sugar a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent browning before assembly.

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensure your puff pastry is vegan-friendly (many store-bought versions are). This way, the recipe remains just as delicious and visually stunning.

What’s the best way to prevent the apples from breaking when rolling?

The key is thin, even slices and careful layering with some overlap. This provides flexibility and strength to the petals. Also, folding the pastry over the apples before rolling helps keep everything securely in place.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about transforming a few simple ingredients into these stunning Pastry Apple Roses. They offer a delightful blend of buttery, sweet, and spiced flavors wrapped in an eye-catching design that’s sure to wow your guests. Give this Pastry Apple Roses Recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a treasured staple in your dessert repertoire!