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Apple Puff Pastry “Doughnuts Recipe

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4.6 from 99 reviews

Delight in these easy-to-make Apple Puff Pastry “Doughnuts,” featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples wrapped in flaky puff pastry, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and finished with rich caramel and optional savory miso for a unique twist. Perfect for a sweet snack or an elegant dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Seasoning

  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Puff Pastry and Coating

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • Heavy cream or a beaten egg (for brushing)

Toppings and Sauce

  • 1/4 cup store-bought caramel sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon red or white miso (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Optional toppings: Pepitas, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, mochi bites, or ice cream of your choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple: Core the Honeycrisp apple and slice it into thin, even rounds to ensure they cook evenly within the puff pastry doughnuts.
  2. Make Cinnamon Sugar: Combine the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the cinnamon sugar mixture for coating.
  3. Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth and slightly thin it. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes to cut out doughnut shapes with holes in the center.
  4. Assemble the Doughnuts: Place a thin apple slice on each puff pastry ring. Brush the edges of the pastry with heavy cream or beaten egg to help seal and promote browning.
  5. Add Optional Miso: If using, lightly dot the caramel sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of red or white miso to add a subtle umami flavor that complements the sweetness. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
  6. Bake the Doughnuts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden, puffed, and cooked through.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the baked doughnuts from the oven and immediately brush or drizzle them with the caramel-miso sauce if using miso, otherwise with caramel sauce alone. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and any additional optional toppings such as pepitas, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, mochi bites, or serve alongside your favorite ice cream.

Notes

  • Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
  • Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions to prevent tearing and ensure easy handling.
  • Substituting heavy cream with beaten egg for brushing gives a golden, shiny finish.
  • The miso adds a unique depth; start with less and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering sweetness.
  • Experiment with toppings for added texture and flavor contrasts.