Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry that perfectly balances the sweetness of caramelized apples with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. These French-inspired Apple and Almond Pastries are not just a dessert; they're a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon snack, this recipe promises to elevate your baking skills and transport your senses straight to a charming Parisian patisserie.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 pastries
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 50g almond meal
- 50g sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for about 10 minutes until it becomes pliable but still cool.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly into uniform half-moon shapes.
- In a small bowl, mix the almond meal and sugar to create a sweet almond filling.
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangular pieces.
- Sprinkle the almond-sugar mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern on top of the almond mixture.
- Fold the pastry edges inward, creating a rustic border that slightly covers the apple edges.
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny finish.
- Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Best enjoyed warm.
Tips
- Ensure your puff pastry is cold but pliable before working with it to achieve maximum flakiness.
- Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- For a more intense almond flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the almond meal mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each pastry room to puff up and brown evenly.
- Let the pastries cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting completely.
- Serve warm for the most delightful taste and texture, ideally paired with a cup of French press coffee or tea.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
