September 1, 2025

Baked Apple Roses: A Step-by-Step Guide to Gorgeous Apple Flowers

Baked apple roses are elegant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by a Brazilian cook named Ana, these stunning pastries combine flaky puff pastry with tender apple slices to create edible apple flowers perfect for brunch, tea parties, or a show-stopping dessert. If you’ve ever wanted to impress guests with a beautiful dessert, this guide will walk you through creating apple roses step by step.

What Are Apple Roses?

Apple roses are thinly sliced apples arranged in a spiral pattern to resemble rose petals. Baked in puff pastry with a touch of cinnamon and sugar, they become soft, sweet, and slightly caramelized, mimicking the delicate texture of a real rose. The combination of baked apple roses and flaky pastry is a match made in dessert heaven.

Unlike traditional apple pies or tarts, apple flowers are elegant, portable, and perfect for gifting or special occasions. Their charming appearance makes them a favorite on social media and at festive gatherings.

Step 1: Gather All Ingredients

Before you start baking, make sure you have everything ready:

1 large red apple, cored and very thinly sliced
¼ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 sheet (17.25 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
¼ cup melted butter
1 large egg
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)

Having all ingredients at hand makes the process smooth and stress-free.

A top-down shot of various ingredients for a dessert laid out on a wooden table, including sliced red apples, sugar, cinnamon, puff pastry, butter, and an egg.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Slices

Place your apple slices on a microwave-safe plate, slightly overlapping if needed. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds until the slices soften slightly. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel to keep them warm and flexible.

Tip: If you don’t have a microwave, sauté apple slices in a bit of butter over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until flexible but not soft.

A close-up shot of a white plate with fanned-out, thinly sliced red apples, covered with a layer of clear plastic wrap. A kitchen towel is folded next to the plate, and a microwave and pan are blurred in the background.

Step 3: Mix Cinnamon Sugar

Combine the white sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will give your baked apple roses that signature sweet-spicy flavor.

A close-up, high-angle shot of a small beige bowl with a mixture of white sugar and brown cinnamon. A metal spoon rests in the center, and the mixture is swirled to create a spiral pattern.

Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry to less than 1/8-inch thickness. Cut two 3×12-inch rectangles using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Reserve the remaining pastry for another use.

A top-down shot of a sheet of puff pastry being unrolled with a wooden rolling pin on a light, flour-dusted countertop. A pizza cutter and several cut-off pieces of pastry are also visible.

Step 5: Assemble the Apple Roses

Spread melted butter over each dough rectangle.
Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
Lay apple slices along one long edge of the dough, slightly extending beyond the edge and overlapping slices slightly.
Fold the bottom half of the dough over the apples, leaving the rounded edges exposed.

A top-down, side-by-side view of two rectangles of puff pastry on a sheet of parchment paper. The one on the left is neatly lined with overlapping, thinly sliced red apples. The one on the right is covered with a spread of butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

Beat the egg and water together and brush over the dough surface. Sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.

A hand holding a pastry brush is applying a yellow liquid, likely an egg wash, to a rectangular piece of dough on a wooden board. Other pieces of dough are laid out, some already brushed and some sprinkled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. A small bowl of the egg wash is visible in the foreground.

Step 7: Roll Into Roses

Carefully roll the dough from one end to the other to form a rose shape. Seal the end and place the rose in a prepared ramekin. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar.

A close-up, high-angle shot of an uncooked pastry arranged to look like a rose. Thin slices of red-skinned apple are spiraled to form the "petals," and the pastry is lightly dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The pastry sits inside a fluted white ramekin on a parchment-lined surface.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Remove the ramekins with tongs and transfer to a baking sheet to cool for 5–10 minutes. Carefully remove the apple roses and finish cooling on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Tip: Using a metal muffin pan instead of ramekins? Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake until the pastry is golden, about 45 minutes.

A wire cooling rack on a kitchen counter holds several freshly baked apple tarts shaped like roses, with their golden pastry bases and beautifully fanned apple "petals." In the background, more tarts are visible in a metal baking pan.

Recipe Variations

Mini Apple Roses: Use smaller strips of puff pastry for bite-sized treats.
Caramel Apple Flowers: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked roses for extra sweetness.
Apple Roses with Almonds: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for a crunchy twist.
Apple and Cream Cheese Roses: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese before adding apple slices for a richer dessert.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover baked apple roses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration to keep the puff pastry flaky. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 1058
Fat: 71g
Carbs: 96g
Protein: 12g

Note: Nutrition includes the full puff pastry amount; actual intake may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use green apples?
Yes! Granny Smith apples work well because they hold their shape and add a slight tartness to balance the sweetness.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple roses ahead and store them unbaked in the fridge. Bake just before serving for best results.

Q3: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but puff pastry is recommended for flakiness and a professional look.

Q4: How can I prevent apple slices from breaking?
Slice apples thinly and soak in lemon water to keep them flexible.

Q5: Are apple roses gluten-free?
Traditional puff pastry contains gluten. To make gluten-free apple roses, use a certified gluten-free puff pastry.

Final Thoughts

Making apple roses may look fancy, but it’s easy with the right steps. These apple flowers are perfect for impressing guests, gifting, or adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, baked apple roses combine flavor, beauty, and fun in one irresistible dessert.