Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe

Nothing brightens up an afternoon tea or a casual brunch quite like my cherished Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe. These delicate, stunning treats combine flaky, buttery puff pastry with tender, slightly tart apple slices and a sweet hint of apricot preserve that melds beautifully in every bite. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and dusted with powdered sugar if you like, these apple roses are not just a feast for the palate but also a gorgeous centerpiece that looks as good as they taste. If you’ve been looking for a recipe that dazzles guests and warms hearts, this is the one you’ll want close at all times.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe shines because of its elegantly simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the flaky richness of puff pastry to the vibrant red apple slices that give these roses their lovely color and fresh, fruity taste.

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed: The crisp and buttery foundation that wraps around the apple slices, creating light, golden layers.
• 2 red apples (I used red delicious): Their natural sweetness and the peel’s bright hue help create the rose petals’ signature look.
• Juice of half a lemon: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon flour: For dusting the counter, preventing the dough from sticking as you roll it out.
• 3 tablespoons apricot preserve: Adds a glossy, fruity sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
• Cinnamon: Sprinkled over the apples to bring warm spice notes that elevate every bite.
• Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting on top, adding a touch of prettiness and sweetness when serving.

How to Make Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples for Rolling

Start by slicing your apples as thinly as possible, keeping the peels on to create the beautiful red edges that will mimic rose petals. Immediately place the slices in a bowl with lemon juice and water to prevent browning and keep them fresh-looking.

Step 2: Soften the Apple Slices

Next, microwave the apples in the lemon water mixture for about three minutes to soften them just enough so they’ll bend without snapping when rolled. This softening step is crucial for creating those elegant petal curves that make these roses so stunning.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

While the apples are softening, lightly flour your counter and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle roughly 12 by 9 inches. Cut this into six long strips about two inches wide. These strips will be the base on which you build your beautiful roses.

Step 4: Spread the Apricot Preserve

Warm the apricot preserve with a little water until it’s easy to spread, then brush a thin layer onto each puff pastry strip. The apricot adds moisture, sweetness, and a glossy finish that helps glue the apple slices onto the dough.

Step 5: Assemble the Apple Roses

Drain the apples well, then carefully arrange the slices along the top edge of each strip, overlapping slightly with peel rims peeking out. Sprinkle cinnamon over the apples for warmth and extra flavor. Fold the bottom pastry edge up over the base of the apples and gently roll each strip from one end to the other, sealing edges as you go.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place each rolled rose into a muffin cup — silicone molds work best ungreased, but otherwise, lightly grease your pans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until the pastry is risen, golden, and cooked through. The result is a breathtakingly beautiful, edible bouquet.

How to Serve Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe

Garnishes

Once baked and cooled a bit, dust your apple roses with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant, delicate touch that adds slight sweetness and charm. A small sprig of fresh mint can also add a pop of color and freshness to your plate presentation.

Side Dishes

These apple roses come alive paired with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of crème fraîche, which adds creaminess to complement the warm, spiced apples and crisp pastry. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai to elevate your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dessert display, arrange your apple roses on a rustic wooden board garnished with edible flowers or sliced almonds. You can also serve them in small individual serving plates lined with parchment paper, perfect for gifting or special celebrations that will wow guests with visual appeal and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe, keep them covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will help maintain the pastry’s crispness and the apples’ fresh flavor without drying out.

Freezing

These roses freeze wonderfully before baking. Assemble the roses as instructed, then freeze them on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh-baked apple roses anytime.

Reheating

To revive your apple roses after storage, reheat them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This method brings back the crispness of the puff pastry and warms the filling perfectly, avoiding sogginess you might get with a microwave.

FAQs

Can I use green apples instead of red apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Green apples like Granny Smith will add a tart contrast, which pairs nicely with the sweetness of the apricot preserve. Just try to slice them thinly and soften as described to ensure they bend properly.

What if I don’t have apricot preserve? Can I substitute something else?

If apricot preserve isn’t available, you can use any mild, smooth fruit jam like peach or apple butter. The preserve’s main role is to add sweetness and help the apples stick, so choose something with a complementary flavor.

Do I need to peel the apples before slicing?

For the best-looking apple roses, keep the peels on. The red edges create the beautiful “petals” effect that makes this recipe so visually stunning.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe can be vegan if you use vegan puff pastry and check that your apricot preserve does not contain gelatin or honey. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

How long do apple roses keep their shape after baking?

They hold their shape quite well, even after cooling completely. Store them carefully to prevent crushing, and they’ll still look pretty for at least two days.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you’ll give this Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe a try soon — it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is so simple to make, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to treat yourself, the combination of flaky pastry, tender apples, and sweet apricot is pure magic. Go ahead, make your kitchen smell amazing, and enjoy these beautiful, delicious roses that almost look too pretty to eat (but trust me, you’ll want to!).

Apple Roses with Puff Pastry and Apricot Preserve Recipe

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Apple Roses are an elegant and delicious pastry made from thinly sliced apples rolled in puff pastry to resemble beautiful roses. This recipe uses red apples for vibrant color and apricot preserves to add sweetness and a glossy finish. With a hint of cinnamon and a dusting of powdered sugar, these apple roses make a perfect dessert or sweet treat that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pastry

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

Apples

• 2 red apples (such as Red Delicious)
• Juice of half a lemon

Spread & Flavoring

• 3 tablespoons apricot preserve
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin the preserve)
• Cinnamon, to sprinkle
• Powdered sugar for decorating (optional)

Other

• 1 tablespoon flour, to sprinkle the counter

Instructions

1. Thaw Pastry: Allow the puff pastry to thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes until soft enough to work with.
2. Prepare Apples: Fill a bowl halfway with water and add the juice of half a lemon to prevent browning. Core the apples and slice them very thinly with the peel on to maintain color. Immediately place the slices into the lemon water.
3. Soften Apples: Microwave the apple slices in the lemon water for about 3 minutes to soften slightly so they can bend without breaking. Alternatively, you can simmer them gently on the stove. They should be pliable but not mushy.
4. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry on a clean surface lightly dusted with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle roughly 12 x 9 inches (30 x 22 cm). Cut the pastry into 6 strips about 2 x 9 inches (5 x 22 cm) each.
5. Prepare Apricot Glaze: Mix 3 tablespoons of apricot preserve with 2 tablespoons of water and warm in the microwave for about 1 minute or on the stove until spreadable. Spread a thin, even layer over each pastry strip.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and drain the softened apple slices.
7. Arrange Apples: Place the apple slices carefully along one edge of each pastry strip, overlapping them so the red skin shows along the top, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
8. Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom edge of the dough strip over the bottom of the apple slices. Starting at one end, gently roll the pastry and apple slices into a rose shape. Press the edge to seal.
9. Place in Muffin Tin: Place each rolled rose into a muffin cup. Silicone molds do not require greasing; otherwise, grease and flour the muffin pan to prevent sticking.
10. Bake: Bake the apple roses in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
11. Decorate and Serve: Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

• Use firm yet ripe apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Red Delicious or Gala.
• Be careful when slicing the apples paper-thin to ensure they can bend without breaking.
• If you do not have a microwave, gently simmer the apple slices in lemon water on the stove to soften.
• For best results, roll the pastry and apples tightly to maintain the rose shape during baking.
• Silicone muffin tins make removing the baked roses easier and do not require greasing.
• For an extra glossy finish, brush the apricot preserve on the roses immediately after baking.
• Powdered sugar decoration is optional but adds a nice touch for presentation.