These easy Apple Pinwheels are the perfect sweet treat to serve when you are short on time and need something delicious to eat for dessert!
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the warm flavors of apples and cinnamon with the flaky goodness of puff pastry, look no further than these easy Apple Pinwheels. This delightful treat is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a cozy evening at home. The best part? They require minimal ingredients and are ready in about 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide for making the perfect apple pinwheels. Fall is in the air!
Why you’ll love these Apple Pinwheels
- Easy to whip up!
- Great sweet treat to serve during the fall!
- Kids and adults will love them!
- Great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- Only a few ingredients!
Understanding the Ingredients
- Puff pastry: You can find ready-made puff pastry in the frozen section of most grocery stores. I recommend keeping a box on hand for quick desserts like this. The buttery, flaky texture pairs beautifully with apples.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness contrasts nicely with the sweet pastry and cinnamon. Honeycrisp or Gala apples work well if you prefer a sweeter option.
- Lemon juice: Helps to prevent browning, enhances flavors, and provides a tangy kick.
- Flour: Helps to thicken the apple filling.
- Cinnamon and sugar: These are the star flavors that elevate the apples into a warm, comforting filling.
- Salt: Enhances and brings together the flavors.
- Butter: A little melted butter adds richness and helps the pastry crisp up in the oven.
Apple Pinwheel-Ingredients
- 1 large Granny Smith apple (or 2 small)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
Apple Pinwheels Step-by-Step-Instructions
Preparing the Apples
The first step in making your apple pinwheels is to prepare the apple filling. Start by peeling and dicing the apples. It’s important to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly inside the pastry and don’t remain crunchy.
Once diced, place the apples in a bowl and toss them with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, pinch of salt, lemon juice and flour. Let the apples sit for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and for the apples to release a bit of their natural juices. This step helps soften the apples slightly and ensures a well-balanced sweet and spiced flavor. Adjust the cinnamon to taste—about 1 teaspoon per apple is a good starting point.
Working with Puffed Pastry
Next, let’s talk about puff pastry. Since we’re using store-bought puff pastry for convenience, you’ll need to thaw it before use. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Be careful not to let it thaw too much, as puff pastry is easier to work with when it’s still slightly cold.
Assembling the Apple Pinwheels
- Unroll the puffed pastry: Place the pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Melt Butter: Gently brush butter over the pastry.
- Spread the apples: Layer the seasoned apples evenly across the puff pastry. Leave a small border around the edges to allow for easy rolling.
- Roll it up: Starting at one end, gently roll the puff pastry into a log, ensuring the apples stay tucked inside. Use a little water to seal the edge.
- Slice the log: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into pinwheels about 1-inch thick. Be gentle so you don’t crush the layers.
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Place each pinwheel flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them as they will puff up while baking.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the apple pinwheels for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen smells like warm apples and cinnamon, and the pastry has risen and crisped beautifully.
Serving and Storage
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as they are, but for an extra touch, dust them with powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce and/or a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more decadent treat!
Reheating and Variations
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore the crispness.
Feel free to get creative with variations. Swap the apples for pears, or mix in some raisins or dried cranberries with the apple filling. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a new flavor twist.
Make ahead of time and Freezing
These apple pinwheels can be made in advance. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag and place in the freezer for up to three months. Take them out and let thaw, then place them in the oven for about 10 minutes to reheat. You can also freeze them without baking them first. Place the assembled pinwheels on a baking sheet. Put them in the freezer until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or a freezer bag. When ready to use, take them out of the freezer, place them on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Enjoy these Apple Pinwheels!
These easy Apple Pinwheels are not only easy to make but are also the perfect comfort food dessert for any occasion. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and buttery puff pastry creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving them to guests or enjoying them as a treat at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Try them out, and don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists in the comments! Happy baking! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For other delicious apple recipes try:
Delicious Cranberry-Apple Dessert
Sweet & Simple Apple Pie Cupcakes
Apple Pinwheels
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 large Granny Smith apple or 2 small
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Let puff pastry sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash, peel and dice apples evenly. Place into a mixing bowl.
- Add granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, flour and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Unroll the puff pastry and place on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Melt the butter and gently brush it over the puff pastry.
- Spread the apples evenly across the puff pastry. Leave a small border around the edges to allow for easy rolling.
- Starting at the long end, gently roll the puff pastry into a log, ensuring the apples stay tucked inside. Use a little water to seal the edge.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into pinwheels about 1-inch thick. Be gentle so you don't crush the layers.
- Place each pinwheel flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them as they will puff up while baking.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Remove them from oven and let them cool a few minutes.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle on caramel sauce if desired.
- Enjoy!
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