Name: Caramel Apple Puff Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed; 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus more for drizzling

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These caramel apple puff pastries are a sweet and flaky treat that combines buttery pastry with tender spiced apples and a rich caramel drizzle. It’s the perfect dessert for fall or any time I want something cozy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Caramel Apple Puff Pastry Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this recipe is to make, especially when using store-bought puff pastry. It delivers all the comforting flavors of a homemade apple pie with way less effort. The caramel adds a luxurious touch, and the flaky layers of pastry provide the perfect contrast to the gooey filling. Whether I’m serving guests or treating myself, these pastries never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus more for drizzling

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet, I melt the butter and add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. I cook the mixture over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the apples are soft and the sauce thickens. Then I let it cool slightly.
I roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into 4 squares.
I place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each square, then fold them into triangles or rectangles. I press the edges with a fork to seal them.
I brush the tops with the beaten egg and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
I bake the pastries for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Once slightly cooled, I drizzle them with warm caramel sauce before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 pastries.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra crunch.
For a quicker version, I use 1 cup canned apple pie filling, enhanced with extra cinnamon and nutmeg.
I’ve also tried adding a tablespoon of cream cheese in the center of each pastry for a creamy surprise.
Instead of caramel drizzle, I dust the finished pastries with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. I avoid the microwave because it softens the pastry.

FAQs

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

I make sure the apple filling is thick and not watery. Letting the filling cool before using it also helps maintain the crispness of the pastry.

Can I freeze these pastries?

Yes, I freeze them before baking. I assemble them, freeze on a baking tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of apples work best?

I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith because they balance the sweetness of the caramel and hold their shape during baking.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Definitely. I love making my own caramel when I have time, but store-bought works well if I’m short on time.

Do I need to thaw the puff pastry before using?

Yes, I always let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30–40 minutes until it’s pliable but still cold.

Conclusion

These caramel apple puff pastries are one of my favorite quick desserts. They’re flaky, warm, and full of fall flavor, but easy enough to whip up anytime. Whether I’m making them for a party or a cozy night in, they always hit the spot.