Apple Puff Pastry Roses are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. These elegant little pastries are made with thinly sliced apples, glossy apricot jam, and buttery puff pastry, all rolled up to look like blooming roses. The recipe is surprisingly simple, requires just a few ingredients, and comes together quickly—perfect for a last-minute dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence!

Preparation Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield

Servings: 6 puff pastry roses

Cuisine

European / French-inspired dessert

Ingredients

• • 3 medium apples (red-skinned varieties like Gala or Pink Lady work beautifully)

• • Puff pastry sheet (1 standard size, about 250–300g), thawed if frozen

  • Apricot jam, to taste (about 3–4 tablespoons)

  • Butter, for greasing the muffin tin and optional brushing

• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

• Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. 1. Prepare the apples
      Wash and core the apples. Cut them in half, then slice them thinly—about 1–2 mm thick. The thinner, the better for rolling. Place the slices in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.

1. 1. Soften the apple slices
      Microwave the apple slices in water for about 2–3 minutes, or until they’re soft and pliable but not mushy. This step ensures the slices can be rolled easily without breaking.

   2. Roll out the puff pastry
      On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth the surface and thin it slightly. Cut it into 6 equal strips (each about 5 cm wide and the length of the sheet).

   3. Spread apricot jam
      Warm the apricot jam slightly to make it easier to spread. Spoon a thin layer over each pastry strip.

1. 1. Arrange the apples
      Lay the apple slices along the top edge of each pastry strip, overlapping slightly, with the skin side up. The slices should hang slightly over the edge to mimic rose petals.

   2. Fold and roll
      Fold the bottom half of the pastry over the bottom of the apple slices. Then, carefully roll the strip from one end to the other to create a rose shape.

   3. Place in muffin tin
      Grease a muffin tin with butter and place each rolled pastry rose into a muffin cup. This helps hold the shape during baking.

1. 1. Brush with butter (optional)
      For a golden finish, melt a little butter and brush the tops of the roses before baking.

   2. Bake the roses
      Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked. Check around 20 minutes—if the tops begin to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

   3. Cool slightly and serve
      Let the roses cool for 5–10 minutes before removing them from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and paired with vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information (Per Rose, Approximate)

• • Calories: 190–220

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Sugar: 12g

• • Fat: 8g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Protein: 2g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 90mg

Note: Values vary depending on the amount of jam and type of puff pastry used.

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Puff pastry rose desserts became popular across social media and baking blogs for their stunning appearance and minimal ingredient list. Inspired by French patisserie, they combine the elegance of a tart with the ease of a hand-held dessert.

Though they may look complex, the concept is simple—thinly sliced fruit and jam are layered over pastry, then rolled and baked to resemble flowers. These apple roses have become a favorite for home bakers who want to create beautiful treats without advanced baking skills.

This particular version, using apricot jam and red apples, is especially popular because the jam adds both sweetness and shine, while the apple skins give a natural rosy hue.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• • Gorgeous presentation: They look like you spent hours on them!

  • Simple ingredients: Just three main items—apples, jam, and puff pastry.

• • Quick to prepare: From start to oven in under 30 minutes.

  • Light and fresh: Not overly sweet, making them perfect after a heavy meal.

  • Customizable: Use different jams, spices, or even fruits.

• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for brunches, tea parties, holidays, or date night.

• Kid-friendly: Fun to make together and even more fun to eat.

Health Benefits

While these are certainly a treat, you’ll find a few redeeming qualities in each bite:

• • Apples: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

  • Portion-controlled: Each rose is an individual serving.

• Low added sugar: The apricot jam provides most of the sweetness.

• No frosting or heavy cream: Light by dessert standards.