Introduction
These Rose-Shaped Apple Tartlets are as beautiful as they are delicious. Made with thinly sliced apples, puff pastry, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, and a touch of apricot glaze, they are a true masterpiece of edible art. The apple slices are arranged to mimic delicate rose petals, making them the perfect dessert for holidays, dinner parties, Valentine’s Day, or even an afternoon tea.
What’s especially wonderful about these tartlets is that they look incredibly fancy but are surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks like it came straight out of a French bakery.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect marriage of flavor and beauty. The apples soften into tender, slightly caramelized petals, the puff pastry provides a buttery crunch, and the cinnamon sugar ties everything together with cozy warmth.
Another reason I adore this dish is that it’s versatile — you can swap apple varieties, use different jams for glazing, or even add a drizzle of caramel. Plus, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress guests. Every time I make these tartlets, I’m met with wide-eyed amazement before people even take their first bite!
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Visually Stunning: Looks like roses blooming on your dessert plate.
- Surprisingly Easy: Requires only basic pastry and fruit-prep skills.
- Flavorful: Sweet, tart apples + buttery pastry + warm cinnamon.
- Customizable: Endless variations with jams, spices, and fruits.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Romantic date nights, festive holidays, or tea-time treats.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 tartlets
- Calories: ~230 per tartlet
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: European (French-inspired)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 2 medium red apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 3 Tbsp apricot jam (or apple jelly)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Caramel drizzle or whipped cream (for serving)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Slice apples in half, core them, and cut into very thin slices (skin on for color).
- Place slices in a bowl with water and lemon juice. Microwave for 2–3 minutes to soften so they roll easily. Drain and pat dry.
Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry
- Roll puff pastry into a rectangle about 9×12 inches.
- Cut into 6 strips lengthwise.
Step 3: Flavor the Pastry
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Brush each pastry strip lightly with apricot jam (thinned with water if too thick).
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over pastry strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Roses
- Arrange apple slices along the top half of each strip, slightly overlapping like petals, with the red peel facing outward.
- Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip up over the base of the apple slices.
- Carefully roll the strip from one end to the other, forming a rose shape.
- Place each rolled tartlet into a greased muffin tin cup.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until pastry is golden and apples are tender.
- If apples start browning too quickly, cover lightly with foil.
Step 6: Finish
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a cup of tea, coffee, or champagne for an elegant experience.
Recipe Tips
- Slice apples very thinly — this makes rolling easier and ensures even baking.
- Microwave apples just until pliable, not mushy.
- Don’t overfill pastry strips; too many apple slices will make rolling difficult.
- Bake tartlets on the middle rack for even browning.
- Grease muffin tins well or use silicone molds to prevent sticking.
Variations
- Fruit Swap: Try pears, peaches, or plums instead of apples.
- Different Jams: Use raspberry, strawberry, or orange marmalade instead of apricot jam.
- Nutty Twist: Spread a thin layer of almond paste or hazelnut spread before adding apples.
- Spiced Roses: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a cozy holiday twist.
- Chocolate Roses: Add a thin layer of chocolate spread under the apples before rolling.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for crispness.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble roses and freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to bake time.
- Freezing (Baked): Freeze cooled tartlets in a container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin or silicone mold
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer (for thin apple slices)
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Conclusion
These Rose-Shaped Apple Tartlets with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Sugar are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Elegant, charming, and surprisingly easy to make, they transform a handful of simple ingredients into a work of culinary art. Perfect for impressing guests, celebrating special occasions, or simply indulging in something beautiful at home, these tartlets are guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
One bite, and you’ll fall in love with both their flavor and their beauty!
Rose-Shaped Apple Tartlets with Puff Pastry and Cinnamon Sugar
Description
hese Rose-Shaped Apple Tartlets are as beautiful as they are delicious. Made with thinly sliced apples, puff pastry, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, and a touch of apricot glaze, they are a true masterpiece of edible art.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Optional Garnish
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Apples: Slice apples in half, core them, and cut into very thin slices (skin on for color). Place slices in a bowl with water and lemon juice. Microwave for 2–3 minutes to soften so they roll easily. Drain and pat dry.
-
Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll puff pastry into a rectangle about 9×12 inches. Cut into 6 strips lengthwise.
-
Step 3: Flavor the Pastry: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush each pastry strip lightly with apricot jam (thinned with water if too thick). Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over pastry strips.
-
Step 4: Assemble the Roses: Arrange apple slices along the top half of each strip, slightly overlapping like petals, with the red peel facing outward. Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip up over the base of the apple slices. Carefully roll the strip from one end to the other, forming a rose shape. Place each rolled tartlet into a greased muffin tin cup.
-
Step 5: Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, until pastry is golden and apples are tender. If apples start browning too quickly, cover lightly with foil.
-
Step 6: Finish: Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
