I’ve discovered that this elegant apple pastry looks incredibly complex but is surprisingly simple to make. The secret lies in using store-bought puff pastry and a quick-cooking apple filling that creates beautiful layers when baked. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a showstopping dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of grated apples (rather than sliced) creates a quick-cooking filling that stays put when rolling. The classic cinnamon-nutmeg spice blend enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, while the flaky puff pastry creates those beautiful, crispy layers we all love.
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 1½ lbs (700g) puff pastry, thawed but cold
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¼ cup (45g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (3g) ground nutmeg
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Filling
- Grate the apples using the large holes of a box grater.
- In a bowl, combine the grated apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes, then drain off excess liquid using a fine-mesh strainer.
Shaping the Pastry
- Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 16×12 inches).
- Spread the drained apple filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border along one long edge.
- Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log.
- Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Form the log into a ring shape, pinching the ends together to seal.
- Using sharp scissors or a knife, cut slits ¾ of the way through the ring at 1-inch intervals.
Final Preparation and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Beat the egg with a pinch of salt for the egg wash.
- Carefully brush the entire pastry with egg wash.
- Sprinkle generously with sliced almonds.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes to ensure the pastry is cold before baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and puffed.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage and Serving
Best served the day it’s made. Can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp before serving.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Expert Tips
- Keep the puff pastry cold but pliable for the best results
- Don’t skip draining the apple mixture – excess moisture will make the pastry soggy
- Cut the slits at a slight angle for a more attractive presentation
- If the pastry starts to feel warm at any point, refrigerate for 15 minutes
- Allow the pastry to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar
- Serve within a few hours of baking for the best texture
- For extra richness, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
This quick apple ring pastry proves that impressive holiday desserts don’t need to be complicated. The combination of flaky pastry, spiced apples, and crunchy almonds creates a dessert that’s sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
