Puff Pastry Wrapped Baked Apples with Cinnamon Cream
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Wrapped Apples:
- 200 g puff pastry (7.1 oz)
- 4 medium-sized apples, cored
- 20 g butter (0.7 oz)
- 10 g cinnamon (0.4 oz)
- 30 g brown sugar (1.1 oz)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 200 g sugar (7.1 oz)
- 100 ml water (3.4 fl oz)
- 7 g salt (0.2 oz)
- 500 ml whipping cream, divided (16.8 fl oz)
- 20 ml lemon juice (0.7 fl oz)
For the Cinnamon Cream:
- 300 ml whipping cream (11 fl oz)
- 80 g powdered sugar (2.8 oz)
- Pinch of cinnamon
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 4g
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature will ensure the puff pastry bakes to a perfect golden brown while the apples become tender.
Core the 4 medium-sized apples, removing the seeds but leaving the apples whole. Set the apples aside while you prepare the filling.
In a small pan, melt 20 g of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 30 g of brown sugar and 10 g of cinnamon. Stir the mixture and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is bubbling slightly. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
2. Wrap the Apples in Puff Pastry
Roll out the 200 g of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the pastry into 4 squares, each large enough to completely encase one of the apples.
Place one apple in the center of each pastry square. Spoon a small amount of the cinnamon-butter mixture into the hollow center of each apple. This will infuse the apple with warm, sweet flavors as it bakes.
Carefully wrap the puff pastry around the apple, gathering and sealing the edges at the top. If you have any leftover pastry, use it to create decorative leaves or strips to adorn the top of each wrapped apple. This adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Place the wrapped apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
3. Bake the Apples
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the apples for 25-30 minutes. The pastry should be golden brown and crispy, and the apples should be tender when pierced with a knife. If the pastry browns too quickly, you can cover the apples loosely with foil to prevent burning while the apples finish baking.
4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the apples are baking, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine 200 g of sugar, 100 ml of water, and 7 g of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture while it is boiling. Let it cook until it turns a deep amber color, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to watch the caramel closely, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Once the caramel reaches the desired color, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully whisk in 200 ml of whipping cream (6.8 fl oz). The mixture will bubble vigorously, so add the cream slowly while whisking constantly to avoid splattering. Once smooth, stir in 20 ml of lemon juice for a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the caramel.
5. Make the Cinnamon Cream
In a chilled bowl, combine the remaining 300 ml of whipping cream (11 fl oz) with 80 g of powdered sugar. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, indicating that the cream is light and airy but still holds its shape.
Gently fold in a pinch of cinnamon to the whipped cream, adding a subtle spiced note that complements the apples and caramel.
6. Serve
Once the puff pastry-wrapped apples are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
To serve, place each baked apple on a dessert plate. Drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce, allowing it to pool around the apple. Add a dollop of the cinnamon cream to the side or top of the apple. The combination of the crisp pastry, tender apple, rich caramel, and creamy cinnamon-infused whipped cream is truly irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
- Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cinnamon cream.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: For a spicier twist, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon cream.
This Puff Pastry Wrapped Baked Apples with Cinnamon Cream is a delightful dessert that is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and rich flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a special treat at home, this dish is a perfect way to savor the comforting taste of apples and cinnamon wrapped in buttery pastry.