Save This sweet and golden apple pie roll recipe is my ultimate solution for a last minute dessert that feels impressively homemade but truly could not be simpler. It takes the classic flavors of apple pie and wraps them up in an easy package, so you stay out of the kitchen and spend more time enjoying the treat.
I first threw these together for a neighbor’s book club and now even my pickiest eater requests them after school I love how the scent of baked apples fills the house so quickly
Ingredients
- Refrigerated puff pastry: One sheet that is already rolled saves time and gives a flaky bakery texture check labels for quality butter content for the best flavor
- Apples: Medium size is ideal choose firm tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in the final rolls
- Granulated sugar: Brings all the flavors together and helps the tops turn caramelized and golden you can use organic cane sugar for a richer note
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven temperature to 200C or 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Unroll your sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface Use a sharp knife to cut the sheet into eight equally sized rectangles Try to keep the shapes as even as possible so they bake uniformly
- Fill with Apples:
- Arrange slices of peeled and cored apple along one short end of each rectangle Layer them slightly but do not overfill as this helps the pastry wrap around securely Sprinkle a generous pinch of sugar over the apple slices to encourage browning and sweetness
- Roll Them Up:
- Starting at the end with the apples gently but tightly roll each piece to encase the apples in dough Make sure the seam is at the bottom so the rolls stay shut during baking
- Add Sweet Crunch:
- Sprinkle extra sugar over the tops of each roll This adds a beautiful crunch and sparkle once they come out of the oven
- Bake:
- Place the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet seam side down Leave space between each one Bake in the center of the oven for about sixteen to eighteen minutes Keep an eye on them and remove once they are deeply golden and puffed
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the rolls cool slightly on the tray before serving This helps the filling settle and makes them easy to pick up and enjoy
Save My favorite part is sneaking an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on my share The first time I made these my kids barely let them cool before devouring every last crumb around the kitchen table
Storage Tips
These are best eaten fresh for maximum crispness but leftover rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If you want to restore the flakiness simply pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes Refrigerating them is not ideal as this can make the pastry soggy but you can freeze them tightly wrapped Thaw then reheat in the oven to bring back the texture
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap apples for thin slices of ripe but firm pears or even nectarines in summer If you have only brown sugar use it for a deeper caramel flavor Some puff pastry brands are made with just oil and are vegan check labels if you want a dairy free or vegan version
Serving Suggestions
These rolls shine as a last minute dessert but they are also lovely with brunch Serve one or two alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic pie vibe or drizzle a quick icing glaze for special occasions Sometimes I put out a little bowl of cinnamon sugar for dipping
Cultural and Historical Context
Encasing spiced fruit in dough goes back centuries in American kitchens These rolls are a shortcut version of the classic apple pie beloved at holidays and picnics They have the cozy taste of tradition with a clever modern twist that makes them possible for busy weeknights
Seasonal Adaptations
Choose apples that are at their peak in late summer through autumn Add a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warming spice in the colder months For a spring or summer twist substitute peaches or mixed berries for the apples
Success Stories
I have made these with kids at birthday parties and they always disappear before I blink At our last family reunion we made a triple batch for dessert and they vanished faster than the classic pies Sometimes I bake a half batch for an emergency tea time treat and every time my guests ask for the recipe
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze prepare the rolls through step four then place them on a tray in the freezer until firm Transfer to a bag or container To finish baking add an extra two to four minutes to the bake time straight from frozen I love having a stash on hand for sudden guests
Save Serve warm for the perfect sweet treat or save a few for the next day. These rolls always impress guests and kids alike!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches are tasty substitutes. Adjust sugar and baking time for best results.
- → How do I prevent soggy rolls?
Use thinly sliced apples and preheat your oven for crisp, golden pastry every time.
- → Does the pastry need chilling before baking?
Thawed pastry is ideal. Keep it chilled until ready to roll for flakier texture.
- → Is spice recommended with apple rolls?
Cinnamon or nutmeg can be sprinkled over the apples before rolling for extra flavor.
- → What can I serve with these rolls?
Warm rolls pair well with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- → Are these rolls vegetarian?
Yes, they are vegetarian, but always check your pastry's ingredients for any allergens.