Delightful Baked Apples in Flaky Pastry
Experience the joy of homemade comfort with these Delightful Baked Apples in Flaky Pastry. This recipe transforms ordinary apples into an extraordinary dessert, perfectly encased in buttery, golden pastry. Sweetened naturally with dried fruits and enhanced with a hint of nutmeg, each apple is a delightful surprise waiting to be unveiled. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening at home, these pastries can be easily frozen and reheated, making them a perfect make-ahead treat that still delivers on fresh, rich flavors. Serve with a drizzle of cream and a fresh mint sprig to elevate your dessert experience.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/3 teaspoon
butter
3/4 cup (cut into dice)
ice water
6-8 tablespoons (chilled)
medium-sized dessert apples
6 (peeled and cored)
prunes
6 (pitted and chopped)
dried apricots
6 (chopped)
raisins
2 1/2 tablespoons
egg
1 (beaten for glazing)
cream
to serve (fresh)
mint leaf
to serve (fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (160°C for fan-forced, 175°C conventional).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground nutmeg to combine evenly.
3
Cut the butter into small cubes and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs; alternatively, pulse in a food processor for a quicker method.
4
Gradually mix in enough ice water to form a smooth and pliable dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5
Divide the dough into six equal pieces and roll each piece out into a square approximately 8 inches on each side.
6
Peel the apples using a sharp knife and carefully remove the cores using an apple corer, ensuring you leave the apples intact.
7
Chop the prunes and dried apricots finely, and combine them with the raisins in a small bowl.
8
Position one prepared apple in the center of each pastry square and fill the core with the dried fruit mixture.
9
Moisten the edges of each pastry square with a little water, then bring the dough up around the sides of the apple, sealing it tightly and trimming any excess pastry for a clean finish.
10
Roll out the pastry trimmings, cut into decorative leaf shapes, and attach them to the apples for a charming presentation.
11
Brush the tops of each pastry-wrapped apple with the beaten egg to give a golden glaze during baking.
12
Place the wrapped apples on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden.
13
Serve these baked apples warm, paired with a drizzle of fresh cream and garnished with mint leaves.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
32g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Delightful Baked Apples in Flaky Pastry.
What are the main features of this dessert?
It is a comfort food dessert featuring whole apples encased in buttery pastry, naturally sweetened with dried fruits and a hint of nutmeg.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (160°C for fan-forced or 175°C for conventional).
What ingredients are sifted together for the pastry?
You should sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/3 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How should the butter be prepared for the dough?
The butter should be cut into small cubes and rubbed into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Can I use a food processor for the dough?
Yes, you can pulse the butter and flour mixture in a food processor for a quicker preparation method.
What kind of water should be added to the dough?
You should gradually mix in 6 to 8 tablespoons of chilled ice water.
How many pieces should the dough be divided into?
The dough should be divided into six equal pieces.
What size should the rolled-out pastry squares be?
Each piece of dough should be rolled out into a square approximately 8 inches on each side.
How do I prepare the apples before wrapping?
The apples should be peeled and then cored using an apple corer, ensuring they remain intact.
What dried fruits are used for the filling?
The filling consists of 6 finely chopped prunes, 6 finely chopped dried apricots, and 2 1/2 tablespoons of raisins.
How do I fill the apples?
Position one apple in the center of each pastry square and fill the core with the prepared dried fruit mixture.
How is the pastry sealed around the apple?
Moisten the edges with water, bring the dough up around the sides of the apple, and seal it tightly.
Can I add decorative elements to the pastry?
Yes, you can roll out pastry trimmings and cut them into decorative leaf shapes to attach to the apples.
What is the purpose of the beaten egg?
The beaten egg is used to brush the tops of the pastry to provide a golden glaze during baking.
How long should the apples be baked?
Bake the wrapped apples for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is beautifully golden.
How should this dessert be served?
Serve the baked apples warm with a drizzle of fresh cream and a garnish of mint leaves.
Can these pastries be made in advance?
Yes, they are a perfect make-ahead treat that can be easily frozen and reheated.
What are the calorie counts for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains 32g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 5g of protein per serving.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 medium-sized dessert apples.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for home cooks.
Does this recipe contain added refined sugar?
No, the recipe is tagged as sugar-free cooking, utilizing the natural sweetness of dried fruits.
What type of flour is best for this pastry?
3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour is recommended.
What can I use as a garnish?
Fresh mint leaves are recommended as a garnish.
What should I do with excess pastry?
Trim any excess pastry for a clean finish or use it to create decorative leaf shapes.
What occasions is this dessert ideal for?
It is ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening at home.
Is the pastry dough supposed to be overworked?
No, you should be careful not to overwork the dough to ensure it remains pliable and flaky.