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Apple Rose Tarts Recipe

Apple Rose Tarts Recipe

Learn how to make stunning homemade apple rose tarts that look professional but are surprisingly easy to create! These beautiful pastries feature paper-thin apple slices arranged to resemble roses, nestled in buttery pastry cups. The best combination of impressive presentation and delicious flavor for special occasions.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
6 tarts
An overhead shot showcases a marble pastry board featuring six golden-brown apple rose tarts arranged in a circle, their intricate spiral patterns resembling blooming roses with caramelized edges. A cross-section reveals the delicate layering of paper-thin apple slices nestled in flaky, buttery pastry cups. Soft natural light highlights the glistening apple slices brushed with apricot glaze, creating a luminous sheen against the rustic pastry. A light dusting of powdered sugar contrasts with the ruby-red edges of the baked apples, while a vintage ceramic plate holds a single tart beside a small pot of cinnamon-infused cream. Scattered cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and a few green leaves complete the composition, emphasizing the seasonal charm of these elegant individual desserts.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (or 320g homemade puff pastry)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 medium red apples (preferably Pink Lady or Gala)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp apricot jam</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Powdered sugar for dusting</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">6-cup muffin tin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mandoline slicer (or very sharp knife)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Microwave-safe bowl</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Place lemon juice in a large bowl filled with cold water - this will prevent your apple slices from browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Cut the apples in half, remove the cores, and slice them very thinly (2-3mm) using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The thinner your slices, the more flexible they'll be for rolling into rose shapes. Immediately place the slices in the lemon water bath.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Drain the apple slices and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with water. Microwave for 3 minutes until the slices are soft and pliable but not mushy. This step is crucial - it ensures the apples will bend without breaking when formed into roses.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Drain the apples thoroughly and pat dry again. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the apple slices and toss gently until evenly coated with the spice mixture. The sugar will start drawing out moisture from the apples, making them even more flexible.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to even out any creases. Cut the pastry into six equal strips, approximately 5cm x 25cm each. Brush each strip with melted butter, which will add richness and help create those flaky, distinct layers when baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Arrange the apple slices along the top half of each pastry strip, overlapping them slightly with the rounded, skin-edge extending just beyond the pastry edge. This positioning creates the "petals" of your roses. Leave the bottom half of the pastry strip empty - you'll fold this up over the bottom of the apple slices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Fold the bottom half of each pastry strip up over the bottom of the apple slices. Gently roll each strip from one end to the other, keeping the apple slices in place as you go. The overlapping apple edges should create a rose-like appearance at the top. Place each completed rose into the prepared muffin tin.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the edges of the apples are slightly caramelized. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>While the tarts are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam with 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth and liquid. This glaze will give your roses a beautiful shine and help preserve their moisture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>When the tarts are done, remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the tops with the apricot glaze, making sure to coat all the exposed apple "petals" for a beautiful shine.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar just before serving. These apple rose tarts are best enjoyed the day they're made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The pastry will soften slightly over time due to the moisture from the apples.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Apple Rose Tarts Recipe?

The key ingredients include puff pastry, red apples (Pink Lady or Gala preferred), lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and apricot jam. These combine to create delicate, flaky pastry roses with tender cinnamon-spiced apple slices.

How to cook Apple Rose Tarts Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Apple Rose Tarts by thinly slicing apples, softening them in the microwave, coating with cinnamon-sugar, arranging on puff pastry strips, and rolling into rose shapes. Bake at 190°C for 25-30 minutes until golden, then brush with apricot glaze for a professional finish that looks impressive but is surprisingly achievable.

Why do you need to microwave the apple slices before forming them into roses?

Microwaving the apple slices for 3 minutes makes them soft and pliable without breaking. This crucial step ensures the slices bend easily when rolled into rose shapes, preventing cracking or splitting while maintaining their structural integrity during baking.

Can I make these elegant pastry roses ahead of time for a special occasion?

While best enjoyed fresh on the day they're made, you can prepare these tarts up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Note that the pastry will soften slightly over time due to moisture from the apples.

What's the best type of apple to use for creating beautiful rose-shaped tarts?

Pink Lady or Gala apples work best as they maintain their shape when baked, offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and have attractive reddish skin that creates the beautiful rose-like appearance. Their natural firmness also allows for ultra-thin slicing.

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The best combination of impressive presentation and delicious flavor for special occasions.", "prepTime": "PT45M", "cookTime": "PT25M", "totalTime": "PT1H10M", "keywords": "apple rose tarts, puff pastry dessert, elegant apple dessert, cinnamon apple roses, special occasion pastry", "recipeYield": "6", "recipeCategory": "Dessert", "recipeCuisine": "French", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "285 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "32 g", "proteinContent": "3 g", "fatContent": "16 g", "saturatedFatContent": "8 g", "cholesterolContent": "25 mg", "sodiumContent": "120 mg", "sugarContent": "15 g", "servingSize": "1 tart" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (or 320g homemade puff pastry)", "3 medium red apples (preferably Pink Lady or Gala)", "80ml lemon juice", "50g granulated sugar", "2 tsp ground cinnamon", "1/4 tsp ground nutmeg", "30g unsalted butter, melted", "3 tbsp apricot jam", "1 tbsp water", "Powdered sugar for dusting" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare", "text": "Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Place lemon juice in a large bowl filled with cold water - this will prevent your apple slices from browning." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Slice apples", "text": "Cut the apples in half, remove the cores, and slice them very thinly (2-3mm) using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The thinner your slices, the more flexible they'll be for rolling into rose shapes. Immediately place the slices in the lemon water bath." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Soften apple slices", "text": "Drain the apple slices and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with water. Microwave for 3 minutes until the slices are soft and pliable but not mushy. This step is crucial - it ensures the apples will bend without breaking when formed into roses." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Season apples", "text": "Drain the apples thoroughly and pat dry again. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the apple slices and toss gently until evenly coated with the spice mixture. The sugar will start drawing out moisture from the apples, making them even more flexible." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare pastry", "text": "Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to even out any creases. Cut the pastry into six equal strips, approximately 5cm x 25cm each. Brush each strip with melted butter, which will add richness and help create those flaky, distinct layers when baked." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Arrange apples", "text": "Arrange the apple slices along the top half of each pastry strip, overlapping them slightly with the rounded, skin-edge extending just beyond the pastry edge. This positioning creates the \"petals\" of your roses. 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This glaze will give your roses a beautiful shine and help preserve their moisture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Glaze tarts", "text": "When the tarts are done, remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the tops with the apricot glaze, making sure to coat all the exposed apple \"petals\" for a beautiful shine." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Finish and serve", "text": "Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar just before serving. These apple rose tarts are best enjoyed the day they're made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophia Martínez", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "Perfect balance of sweet and tart! I was nervous about forming the roses but followed the instructions closely and they turned out beautifully. The microwave tip for softening the apples was genius.", "name": "Beautiful and Delicious", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Hiroshi Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "Easier than they look, stunning results! My family thought I had purchased these from a professional bakery. The apricot glaze really adds that perfect finishing touch that makes them look so impressive.", "name": "Bakery-worthy Results", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Anika Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-12", "reviewBody": "Guests thought I bought these from a bakery! The step-by-step instructions were clear and the preparation technique made all the difference. The cinnamon-apple flavor is perfectly balanced and not overly sweet.", "name": "Impressive Dessert", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-20", "reviewBody": "Worth the extra slicing time! I took my time with the mandoline to get really thin slices, and it paid off. The pastry remained crisp even with the moist apple filling. Will definitely make again for special occasions.", "name": "Worth Every Minute", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-10", "reviewBody": "My new signature dessert! The tarts stayed perfectly tender and the cinnamon flavor comes through beautifully. I added a tiny bit of cardamom to the spice mix which worked wonderfully with the apples and cinnamon.", "name": "Elegant and Flavorful", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ], "url": "https://www.whatsbaking.co/recipes/apple-rose-tarts-recipe" }
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