Mini Apple Puffs – Quick and Delicious Fall Treats

These mini apple puff pastries are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Made with flaky puff pastry, cinnamon and sugar sweetened apples and a hint of apricot jam, they are incredibly simple to make but bursting with flavour. Whether you serve them for breakfast, a snack or dessert, these pastries are sure to impress your family and friends. The golden puff pastry and tender apples, topped with a dusting of icing sugar, make for a deliciously irresistible treat!

Why you’ll love this recipe:
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and mouthwatering flavors. The puff pastry is buttery and flaky, providing the perfect base for warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. Apricot jam adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples, while the sugar and cinnamon blend enhances the flavors. These mini pastries are quick to make from pre-made puff pastry, making them perfect for last-minute get-togethers or when you want a sweet treat without the hassle.

Perfect opportunity:
These mini apple pastries are perfect for fall parties, afternoon tea, or even as a light after-dinner dessert. They’re also great for breakfast, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them at brunch or bring them to a potluck or holiday party for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to disappear quickly!

Decorating tips:
For an elegant presentation, dust the pastries with icing sugar just before serving. You can also drizzle them with a light glaze made with icing sugar and a little milk for extra sweetness. Arrange the pastries on a cake stand or platter for a beautiful presentation. Add a few cinnamon sticks or apple slices as a garnish for a seasonal and festive touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of pre-made puff pastry
• 2 apples (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup apricot jam
• 1 egg yolk
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 185ºC (365ºF).
2. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture:
   In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cut the puff pastry:
   Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal pieces. Each piece will serve as the base for your mini pastries.
4. Assemble the pastries:
   Spread about 1 tablespoon of apricot jam in the center of each piece of puff pastry. Sprinkle a small amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the jam. Arrange thin apple slices on top, overlapping them slightly. Finish by sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples one last time.
5. Brush the edges:
   Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with egg yolk. This will help the pastry turn golden and develop a nice color when baking.
6. Cook:
   Place the assembled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the apples are tender.
7. Cool and Dust:
   Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, dust them with icing sugar for a soft and elegant finish.

Enjoy your hot and flaky mini apple pastries, perfect for any occasion!

Storage advice:
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain the crispiness of puff pastry!