Baked Apple Roses are a visually stunning dessert made by layering thin apple slices into delicate, rose-like spirals, wrapped in buttery puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection. The result is a crisp, lightly sweetened pastry with tender apples and a gorgeous presentation. Despite their elegant appearance, these treats are surprisingly easy to make with just a few everyday ingredients. Perfect for holidays, brunches, dinner parties, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort, Baked Apple Roses bring both flavor and flair to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They look professionally made but are easy enough for home bakers.
Made with simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have.
Great for romantic occasions, holidays, or special brunches.
Lightly sweet, spiced, and buttery — a perfect balance.
Easily customizable with fruit, spices, or toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large red apple: Choose a firm apple like Red Delicious, Gala, or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well when sliced and baked.
¼ cup white granulated sugar: Used for sweetness and to coat the ramekins and pastry.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the apple and sugar mixture.
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (17.25 ounces), thawed: This buttery dough forms the crisp outer shell of the roses. Let it thaw according to package instructions before using.
¼ cup melted unsalted butter: Brushed onto the pastry to help it crisp and add richness.
1 large egg: Beaten and used as an egg wash to give the pastry a golden finish.
2 teaspoons water: Combined with the egg to create a smooth egg wash.
1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar (optional): Lightly dusted on top before serving for an elegant look.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Lightly grease two ramekins (6 to 8 ounces) with butter and dust with white sugar. Set aside.
Core the apple and slice it very thinly (about 1/16 inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate. Slightly overlap them if necessary to fit.
Microwave the apple slices on high for about 45 seconds until they start to soften. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel for a few minutes to steam and finish softening. This will make the slices pliable enough to roll without breaking.
In a small bowl, mix the white sugar and ground cinnamon together.
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet until it’s less than 1/8 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the sheet into two strips, each about 3 inches wide by 12 inches long.
Brush each strip with melted butter. Sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture across the buttered pastry.
Arrange the apple slices along one long edge of each pastry strip. Overlap the slices slightly, letting the rounded edge of the apples extend past the edge of the pastry to resemble rose petals.
Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip over the lower part of the apple slices, creating a flap that partially covers them but leaves the tops visible.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with the water to make an egg wash. Brush the visible surface of the pastry with the egg wash. Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar over the top.
Starting at one end, gently roll the pastry into a spiral, forming a rose shape. Seal the edge to prevent it from unrolling during baking.
Place each rolled rose into a prepared ramekin with the apple petals facing up. Sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top if desired.
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Once baked, remove the ramekins and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Carefully remove each apple rose and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 apple roses
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 5–10 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Different fruits: Try thin slices of pear, peach, or mango for a new twist.
Jam glaze: Brush with apricot or raspberry jam after baking for a shiny finish.
Nutty topping: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios before baking.
Cream cheese spread: Add a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese to the pastry before layering apples.
Extra spice: Mix in a pinch of ground nutmeg, clove, or cardamom with the cinnamon for more warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover apple roses at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and slightly crisped. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the pastry.

FAQs

What type of apple is best for apple roses?

Firm apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious work well because they hold their shape and slice thinly without falling apart during baking.

Can I use a muffin tin instead of ramekins?

Yes, you can bake these in a standard muffin tin. Lightly grease the wells and place the rolled roses inside. You may need to reduce the oven temperature slightly to 375°F (190°C).

How thin should the apple slices be?

Slices should be about 1/16 inch thick — thin enough to bend easily but thick enough to hold their shape during baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, the peel adds color and helps create the rose petal appearance. However, you can peel them if you prefer a softer texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the roses and refrigerate them (uncooked) for a few hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking.

What can I use instead of cinnamon?

Try pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or a mix of nutmeg and cardamom for a different flavor profile.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Microwaving and steaming the slices helps prevent browning. You can also sprinkle a little lemon juice over them if you’re prepping far in advance.

Can I freeze apple roses?

It’s not recommended to freeze them before baking, as the texture of the apples may suffer. Baked roses can be frozen, but they may lose crispness upon thawing.

Can I make more than two roses from one puff pastry sheet?

If you cut smaller strips (about 2 inches wide), you could make up to 3 or 4 smaller roses from one sheet. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Why did my pastry come out soggy?

Excess moisture from the apples or underbaking can lead to soggy pastry. Be sure the apples are just softened, not watery, and bake until well browned.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Roses are the perfect combination of visual beauty and delicious flavor. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bakery-worthy dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a romantic night in or a festive gathering, these elegant apple pastries are a beautiful way to celebrate simple ingredients and creative presentation.