Save Flaky puff pastry swirled with cinnamon apples and gooey caramel, baked to golden perfection for a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat.
I first baked these caramel apple pinwheels for a cozy autumn get-together. Everyone was impressed by the layers of flavor and how beautifully they puffed up. The sweet apple and caramel aroma filled the kitchen, and the golden pastries disappeared fast.
Ingredients
- Apples: 2 medium (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g), frozen, thawed
- Caramel sauce: 3 tbsp (plus extra for drizzling)
- Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp, melted
- Powdered sugar: 1 tbsp (optional, for garnish)
- Additional caramel sauce: For drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Apple Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll Out Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to a 12-x-10-inch (30-x-25-cm) rectangle.
- Butter and Caramel:
- Brush the pastry with melted butter. Spread the caramel sauce evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) border along one long edge.
- Add Apples:
- Scatter the apple mixture over the caramel layer.
- Form Log:
- Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Slice Pinwheels:
- Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces. Place pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save My kids love helping sprinkle cinnamon sugar and rolling up the pastry. It's a fun, sweet way to spend a weekend morning together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, rolling pin, pastry brush, sharp knife, baking sheet, parchment paper
Allergen Information
This recipe uses wheat and milk products. Check store-bought caramel for additional allergens and always double-check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 130 calories, 6 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein
Save Enjoy these pinwheels fresh out of the oven, or warm them slightly for a gooey caramel bite. They're a delightful way to celebrate any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well. Homemade can also be used for extra flavor.
- → How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Spread the filling evenly and avoid overfilling. Bake until pastries are thoroughly golden and crisp.
- → What apples are best for pinwheels?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work well for their balance of tartness and sweetness.
- → Can these be made ahead?
They taste best fresh but can be reheated in a low oven for crispness. Store loosely covered.
- → Is there a nut-free version?
Absolutely. Omit nuts and check that your caramel sauce contains no nut products.
- → Can I substitute pears for apples?
Pears offer a delicious alternative. Dice finely and use in place of apples for a twist.