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Apple Roses are elegant pastries made with apples, puff pastry, apricot jam, and cinnamon. These beautiful flower-shaped treats look like they came from a bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for brunches, tea parties, holidays, and special occasions, they’re as delicious as they are impressive.
“These are one of my favorite desserts when I want something that looks bakery-worthy without spending hours in the kitchen.”
-Becky
I love serving Apple Roses for Mother’s Day brunches, baby showers, tea parties, and holiday gatherings because they always get compliments. The best part is that you can create different colors simply by changing the variety of apples you use.
They also make thoughtful homemade gifts. Wrap a few roses in cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet treat that friends, neighbors, teachers, and family members will love.
If you love beautiful desserts for special occasions, be sure to try my Hydrangea Cupcakes, Apple Dump Cake, Peach Dump Cake, Chocolate Lave Cake, or this pretty Coconut Delight.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples – Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pink Lady apples work best.
- Puff Pastry – Thaw before rolling and cutting.
- Lemon Juice – Helps prevent the apples from browning.
- Apricot Jam – Adds sweetness and helps hold the roses together.
- Cinnamon – Adds warm apple pie flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional) – For dusting before serving.
For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the recipe card below.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Apple Roses: Sprinkle the apples with cinnamon sugar before rolling for a sweeter version that tastes even more like apple pie. This is my favorite variation!
- Colorful Apple Roses: Alternate red, green, and yellow apple slices while assembling the roses to create a beautiful multi-colored bouquet effect.
- Apple Roses à la Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant dessert.
- Apple Brie Roses: Add thin slices of brie cheese alongside the apples for a sweet and savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
How to Make Apple Roses
- Wash and core the apples, removing any seeds. Cut the apples into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin for this step.
- Fill a large microwave-safe bowl with water, and add the lemon juice. As you cut the apples into slices, place them into the bowl. (Make sure there is enough water to cover the slices.) When both apples are sliced, microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened enough to roll up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry dough to smooth any creases, and then cut it into 6 even strips, about 2 inches wide.
- In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves and water. Stir together, and then microwave for 15-30 seconds. Brush or spoon about a teaspoon of the apricot glaze in the center of a strip of pastry. Line the top half of the strip with apple slices, with the rounded part of the apple on top, and overlapping each piece.
- Once apple slices have been lined across the entire strip, sprinkle cinnamon over the apple slices. Then fold the bottom half of the dough over the bottom of the apple slices, and pinch the ends of each strip together.
- Starting at one end, roll the pastry, leaving the top of apples exposed. Once done, gently pinch the ends of the strip into the dough to seal the edge. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees, and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown. (Use a toothpick to help keep them together if necessary. Just don’t forget to remove the toothpicks before serving.)
Tips for Perfect Apple Roses:
- Use brightly colored apples: Apples with red skins create the most realistic rose appearance. Keep in mind that some color may fade during baking.
- Slice the apples very thin: Thin slices are much easier to roll and less likely to crack or break when shaping the roses.
- Soften the apples if needed: If your apple slices aren’t bending easily, microwave them for a few extra seconds before assembling the roses.
- Experiment with flavors: Try strawberry jam, raspberry preserves, honey, or even melted butter instead of apricot jam for a different flavor profile.
My Recipe Notes
I found that Honeycrisp apples were the easiest to work with because they softened nicely while still holding their shape. I also discovered that leaving the apple slices slightly warm before rolling made assembly much easier and helped prevent tearing.
FAQ’S
If you have leftovers, store them in an air-tight container on the counter or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven on a baking sheet for a few minutes to freshen them up before serving.
Use a mandolin slicer for thin, even apple slices. If using a knife, make sure it’s very sharp, for even this slices.
You can prepare apple roses ahead of time, but they are best when freshly baked. If you want to make them ahead, only assemble the roses, and store them in the refrigerator in the muffin pan. Bake them right before serving.
I have made these with pie crust dough too. The puff pastry gives them a beautiful flaky crust, but the pie crust works too.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
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Apple Dump Cake
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Peach Dump Cake
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Apple Roses
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 small bowl
- 1 Knife or Mandolin slicer
- 1 Muffin Pan
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples
- 1 puff pastry sheet
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Wash and core the apples, and remove any seeds. Don't peel them! The apple skins give the roses their color. Cut the apples into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Fill a large microwave-safe bowl with water, and add the lemon juice. As you cut the apples into slices, place them into the bowl. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened enough to roll up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry dough to smooth any creases, and then cut it into 6 even strips, about 2 inches wide.
- In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves and water. Stir together, and then microwave for 15-30 seconds. Brush or spoon about a teaspoon of the apricot glaze in the center of a strip of pastry. Line the top half of the strip with apple slices, with the rounded part of the apple on top, and overlapping each piece.
- Once apple slices have been lined across the entire strip, sprinkle cinnamon over the apple slices. Then fold the bottom half of the dough over the bottom of the apple slices, and pinch the ends of each strip together.
- Starting at one end, roll the pastry, leaving the top of apples exposed. Once done, gently pinch the ends of the strip into the dough to seal the edge.
- Place the rolled roses in the muffin pan. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, then bake for 30-35 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the apples cool. Then sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Looks really good
A little taste of heaven in my mouth.