The first crisp bite of apple season always feels like a little gift. Sweet, tart, and juicy, apples shine brightest when tucked into something warm and golden. These Caramel Apple Puff Pastries take that cozy flavor and wrap it in flaky layers that bake up beautifully. They’re simple, fun, and just fancy enough to share.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Puff Pastries
You’ll love this recipe because it feels like magic with very little effort. Puff pastry gives you instant buttery layers without any work. Apples, cinnamon sugar, and caramel bring fall’s best flavors together.
They make a perfect weekend breakfast, a sweet finish to brunch, or a simple dessert after dinner. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot mug of coffee, and you have a treat that feels both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of the ingredients are simple pantry or fridge staples, so you can pull these together anytime.
Puff Pastry
One sheet of puff pastry, thawed but cold, forms the crisp and flaky base.
Apples
Two apples, thinly sliced, give a fresh, juicy bite. Firm and tart ones like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
Cinnamon Sugar Mix
A blend of sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of salt creates a warm, spiced sweetness.
Butter
A thin slice on top of each pastry melts into the apples and helps them caramelize.
Caramel Sauce
Drizzle it while warm for a glossy, sweet finish.
Optional Toppings
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream make these even more special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Pastry
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut the puff pastry into six rectangles. Place them on a lined baking sheet and poke the centers with a fork to keep them from puffing unevenly.
Slice and Season the Apples
While the pastry rests, thinly slice the apples. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
Assemble the Pastries
Arrange overlapping apple slices on each rectangle. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and top with a thin slice of butter.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 18–20 minutes until the pastry puffs and the edges turn golden brown.
Add Caramel & Serve Warm
Drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve warm, either plain or with vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
Choose apples that stay firm while baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Keep the puff pastry cold so it bakes up crisp and light. To avoid soggy bottoms, slice the apples thin and don’t overload each pastry.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, then reheat in the oven. These pastries taste best fresh, but a quick warm-up brings back their flaky charm.
Recipe Variations
Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for a nutty crunch. Try chocolate or maple drizzle instead of caramel for a twist. You can even swap apples for pears for a softer, delicate flavor.
FAQs About Caramel Apple Puff Pastries
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the pastries a few hours early and store them unbaked in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. The skins soften in the oven and add color, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother bite.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Caramel Apple Puff Pastries Recipe Card
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Caramel Apple Puff Pastries | Amazing Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy breakfast treat made with puff pastry, apples, cinnamon sugar, and caramel sauce. Elegant enough for guests and great served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but cold
2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 6 thin slices
4 to 6 tablespoons caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. While puff pastry thaws, slice apples thinly.
3. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
4. Cut puff pastry into 6 rectangles and place on a baking sheet.
5. Poke the center of each rectangle with a fork a few times.
6. Arrange apple slices in a line on each piece, slightly overlapping.
7. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Top each with a thin slice of butter.
9. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and lightly browned.
10. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm.
11. Optional: Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Quick, minimal effort dessert that fits fall and brunch.
Keep puff pastry cold for the best rise and flaky layers.
Thin apple slices prevent soggy bottoms.
Originally published on 9/5/16 and updated 2/10/22 with new notes and photos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 196 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love apple desserts, try these too:
- Baked Apple Fritters that pair perfectly with warm caramel sauce
- Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip for your next fall gathering
- Healthy Apple Crumble Bars you can enjoy for dessert or breakfast
- Classic Old-Fashioned Apple Cobbler to celebrate apple season
Final Thoughts
Caramel Apple Puff Pastries bring together flaky pastry, sweet apples, and rich caramel in a way that feels both cozy and impressive. They’re quick to prepare, yet they look like something you’d order at a bakery.
Whether you make them for a fall gathering or a quiet Saturday morning, these pastries are sure to bring smiles. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so feel free to share your thoughts and photos. You can also connect with me on Pinterest or Facebook.