Caramelized Apple Waffle Pastries are a delightful fusion of flaky puff pastry, sweet caramelized apples, and warm spices, all cooked to golden perfection in a waffle iron. Topped with whipped cream or ice cream, they make an elegant yet easy treat for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the comfort of caramel apples with the crispness of puff pastry
- Cooks quickly in a waffle iron for a fun, easy preparation
- Perfect for entertaining or a special family breakfast
- Easily customizable with spices, nuts, and toppings
- Can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Frozen puff pastry, thawed
- Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)
- Heavy whipping cream (optional, for topping)
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and sauce thickens (about 15 minutes). Stir in vanilla and let cool slightly.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into rectangles (about 2½ × 3 inches).
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on each piece.
- Heat waffle iron and lightly grease. Cook each pastry piece for 2–3 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- To serve, place each waffle pastry on a plate, spoon caramelized apples on top, and finish with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9 pastries
- Prep time: 40 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apples for extra crunch
- Swap nutmeg for cardamom or use apple pie spice blend
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for added indulgence
- Use pears or a mix of apples and pears for a twist
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooked pastries and apple topping separately. Puff pastries can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Apple topping should be refrigerated and used within 3 days. To reheat, warm pastries in the oven or toaster oven and gently reheat the apple mixture on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
What type of apple is best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold shape when cooked.
Can I make the apple topping ahead of time?
Yes, the apple mixture can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge.
Do I need to use a waffle iron?
It adds a unique texture, but you can also bake the puff pastry in a regular oven.
Can I freeze these pastries?
Freeze the unassembled pastries and apple topping separately. Reheat and assemble before serving.
What’s the best way to serve these?
They’re great warm with whipped cream, or even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily. Just work in batches when cooking the pastries in the waffle iron.
What if I don’t have cinnamon sugar?
Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon as a quick substitute.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, just ensure your puff pastry is made without animal fats.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes—try pears, peaches, or a mix with berries for variety.
Do I need to peel the apples?
It’s recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peels on if preferred.
Conclusion
Caramelized Apple Waffle Pastries are the perfect blend of flaky, buttery pastry and rich, spiced apples. They’re impressive enough for guests but easy enough to whip up for a weekend treat. Whether served warm with whipped cream or cold as a snack, these pastries are sure to become a favorite.
Print
Caramelized Apple Waffle Pastries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 pastries 1x
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking / Puff pastry
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky waffle-like pastries filled with caramelized apples—warm, buttery, and deliciously sweet for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (≈8 × 8 inches)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tsp milk or lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, for 5–7 minutes until apples are softened and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out puff pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to smooth. Cut into 4 equal squares.
- Divide the caramelized apples among the pastry squares, placing filling in center and leaving a border around edges.
- Beat the egg and brush edges of each pastry square. Fold pastry into a command-shape or fold corners into center to secure filling, leaving vents for steam.
- Place pastries on prepared sheet. Brush tops with egg wash. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- If using glaze: whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth, drizzle over warm pastries.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Choose firm, tart-sweet apples for best texture and flavor.
- Let apple filling cool slightly so it doesn’t soak or break the puff pastry.
- You can prepare the apple filling ahead and keep refrigerated up to 2 days.
- For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp cream or a splash of maple syrup into the apples.
- Store pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze unfrosted pastries for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg