ADVERTISEMENT
2. **Mix the Filling**: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using). Stir until the spices and sugar are evenly mixed.
3. **Stuff the Apples**: Fill the hollow centers of the apples with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing it down gently to make sure it’s well-packed. Drizzle a little melted butter over the top of the filled apples.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry**
1. **Roll Out the Puff Pastry**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the pastry into squares large enough to wrap around each apple. The size of the square will depend on the size of your apples, but aim for about 6 inches on each side.
2. **Wrap the Apples**: Place one stuffed apple in the center of each puff pastry square. Carefully bring the edges of the pastry up around the apple and pinch them together at the top to seal it. If needed, trim any excess pastry to avoid overhang.
3. **Brush with Egg Wash**: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of each wrapped apple to give it a golden, shiny finish when baked.
#### **Step 3: Bake the Apples**
Place the wrapped apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
#### **Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Cream**
While the apples are baking, it’s time to make the cinnamon cream.
1. **Whisk the Cream**: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously until it begins to simmer and thicken slightly. Be careful not to let it boil.
2. **Add Vanilla**: Once the cream has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If you prefer a thicker cream, you can whisk in a small amount of flour to the mixture while it’s simmering.
3. **Set Aside**: Once the cinnamon cream is ready, set it aside to cool slightly while the apples finish baking.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the baked apples are golden brown and the pastry is flaky, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to serving plates.
Drizzle the warm cinnamon cream over the top of each baked apple, and serve immediately. The combination of the warm, tender apple, the crispy puff pastry, and the creamy cinnamon sauce is sure to delight your taste buds.
—
## Tips and Variations for Baked Apples Wrapped in Puff Pastry
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or make it even more special.
### 1. **Add a Nutty Twist**
For added texture and flavor, try incorporating chopped nuts into the filling. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work particularly well with the cinnamon and apples. Simply mix the nuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling before stuffing the apples.
### 2. **Spice it Up**
Feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves can add depth and warmth to the cinnamon flavor. You can also try using apple pie spice for a pre-mixed option.
### 3. **Try Different Fruits**
While apples are the star of this recipe, you can also use other fruits like pears or even peaches. Just keep in mind that some fruits may require different cooking times, so be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
### 4. **Make it Vegan**
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply swap the puff pastry for a plant-based version (make sure to check that it’s dairy-free), and replace the butter and egg wash with a vegan alternative. For the cinnamon cream, use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
—
## Conclusion: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Baked Apples Wrapped in Puff Pastry with Cinnamon Cream is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself to something special, this easy and delicious dessert will undoubtedly become a favorite. The combination of sweet, tender apples, flaky puff pastry, and a rich cinnamon cream is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.
With this step-by-step guide, you can easily recreate this indulgent dessert at home, customizing it to suit your taste preferences. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful treat that will warm your heart and your stomach.
