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Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry “Doughnuts” with Caramel and Toppings Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Apple Puff Pastry “Doughnuts” combine the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with warm cinnamon and flaky puff pastry, creating a delightful treat that mimics doughnuts without deep frying. Finished with a drizzle of caramel and optional toppings, this recipe is perfect for a unique dessert or snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple

Spices and Sugar

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

For Glazing

  • Heavy cream or a beaten egg (for brushing)

Toppings and Sauces

  • 1/4 cup store-bought caramel sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon red or white miso, optional, adjust to taste
  • Optional toppings: Pepitas, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, mochi bites, or ice cream of your choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple: Core the Honeycrisp apple and slice it into thin rings or wedges as preferred. Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, then toss the apple slices in this mixture to coat them evenly, infusing them with sweet cinnamon flavor.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out creases if necessary. Cut the pastry into doughnut-shaped rings or desired shapes matching the apple slices.
  3. Assemble: Place the cinnamon-sugar coated apple slices onto the cut puff pastry shapes. Cover with another layer of pastry if desired, or simply fold over to encase the apples depending on the chosen shape. Press the edges to seal if folded.
  4. Glaze: Brush the tops of the assembled pastry and apple treats with heavy cream or beaten egg to promote golden browning during baking.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp.
  6. Prepare Caramel Sauce: Optionally, mix the store-bought caramel sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of red or white miso for a subtle umami contrast, adjusting to taste.
  7. Serve: Drizzle the caramel-miso sauce over the warm apple puff pastries. Sprinkle with optional toppings like pepitas, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, mochi bites, or serve alongside your favorite ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness, but other crisp apples like Fuji or Gala can work.
  • The miso in the caramel sauce adds depth but can be omitted if you prefer a purely sweet flavor.
  • Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed for easier handling and better puffing during baking.
  • Optional toppings provide textural contrast and added flavors—feel free to customize according to your preference.
  • These treats are best enjoyed warm to experience the full texture and flavor vibrancy.

Keywords: apple puff pastry, apple doughnuts, cinnamon apple dessert, baked apple treats, puff pastry dessert, caramel apple pastry