Lincoln Square's Apple Fest is right around the corner, which gets me thinking about all things apple. When September rolls around, I am excited to go pick apples. The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, apple pie. But this time, I wanted to make something that resembles apple pie, tastes like apple pie, but was not an actual pie.
These puff pastry apple rings are absolutely perfect. The crust is flaky and buttery, the cinnamon sugar adds the perfect spice and sweetness, and the inside is a delicious soft baked apple. They are so easy to make and come together quickly; they are everything I want in a fall dessert.
Picking the Perfect Apple
The best time to pick apples is generally in the fall, between late summer to late October. The exact time depends on the variety of apple and the climate.
Which apples are right for baking? The texture really matters. You want apples that hold their shape while baking, instead of turning to mush. Look for a variety that is known for its crisp, firm texture:
Granny Smith
Pink Lady
Pazazz
Braeburn
Honey Gold
Newtown Pippin
Honeycrisp
These are excellent choices for baking.
Puff pastry is a laminated dough. It’s a light and flaky pastry made by alternating layers of butter and dough. When you bake puff pastry, the liquid in both the butter and the dough steams, making the dough puff. The butter melts into the dough giving it its golden brown and delicious crispy texture and color. Making puff pastry from scratch is no small task. Fortunately, they make pre-made puff pastry that you can find in the freezer section of most grocery stores. If you want to learn more about laminated doughs and want to dive into making your own puff pastry from scratch, check out Chef Max’s blog on this topic.
Apple Rings
Scroll down for a printable version of this recipe
Yield: 6 rings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
1 package puff pastry, thawed overnight in the fridge if using frozen
2 Granny Smith or other baking apple sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/2 stick melted butter
1/2 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut 1/2-inch wide strips in the puff pastry dough and set aside.
3. Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
4. Melt butter for brushing.
5. Peel apples, and slice into 1/2-inch rings. With a small circle cutter or knife, cut the core out of the center creating your apple ring. It should be at least an inch in diameter.
6. Dip each apple ring into the cinnamon sugar mixture, lightly coating both sides.
7. Wrap a piece of puff pastry around the apple and through the center hole until it’s fully covered, making sure the end piece of puff pastry is tucked on the bottom.
8. Place them on a parchment-lined sheet tray and brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Apple Fest is approaching which means The Chopping Block is getting ready to make hundreds of our famous Apple Pies! This apple pie was the first ever recipe created and taught at The Chopping Block back in 1997. We are still making this recipe to this day and people come from all over Chicago just to get a slice of this pie.
Here’s a look at Apple Fest at The Chopping Block:
Apple Fest will be held on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 from 9am-6pm each day. Come stop by for all things apple and enjoy this pie we love so much! We will have it available by the slice during the fest along with hard cider from Right Bee Cider and new this year: a special apple canned cocktail.
You can also order whole pies for pick up during the fest. They come in a pre-seasoned Lodge Cast Iron 10" skillet which is yours to keep. Place your order now!
Also new this year, we are offer bake and take classes where you can learn how to make our famous Apple Pie yourself and bring it home to share:
Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 55 Min
Ingredients
1 package puff pastry, thawed overnight in the fridge if using frozen
2 Granny Smith or other baking apple sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/2 stick melted butter
1/2 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut 1/2-inch wide strips in the puff pastry dough and set aside.
Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
Melt butter for brushing.
Peel apples, and slice into 1/2-inch rings. With a small circle cutter or knife, cut the core out of the center creating your apple ring. It should be at least an inch in diameter.
Dip each apple ring into the cinnamon sugar mixture, lightly coating both sides.
Wrap a piece of puff pastry around the apple and through the center hole until it’s fully covered, making sure the end piece of puff pastry is tucked on the bottom.
Place them on a parchment-lined sheet tray and brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.