Puff Pastry Apple Buns

Apple buns are charming little puff pastry cakes filled with a warm mixture of soft apples, apricot jam, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon.

These apple-filled pastries are made by gently cooking diced apples with cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice, and apricot jam before wrapping the mixture inside squares of puff pastry. The buns are sealed, baked quickly at a high temperature, and ready in just a short time. They are a great option for afternoon tea, a weekend breakfast, or a sweet snack after lunch.

What Are Apple Buns? 

Apple buns are a type of fruit-filled pastry made by wrapping sweetened apple filling inside dough or pastry before baking. Apples have long been one of the most popular fruits used in desserts because they are widely available and naturally sweet.

Apples have thousands of varieties that exist around the world, each with different levels of sweetness, acidity, and texture. Some apples hold their shape when cooked, while others soften quickly and create a smoother filling. For this recipe, a slightly firm apple works beautifully because it keeps a pleasant texture after cooking.

Pro Tips for The Best Apple Buns

• Pick apples that are naturally sweet with a slight tartness for the best flavour balance.
• Apples that become too soft quickly can make the filling watery, so choose varieties that maintain some texture during cooking.
• The apples should soften slightly while still keeping some structure. Cooking them too long can turn the mixture into a puree and make the pastry difficult to handle.
• Sealing the edges properly can prevent the apple mixture from escaping during baking. It can be tempting to add extra filling, but too much can prevent the buns from closing properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Apple Buns Ahead of Time?

Yes, apple buns can be prepared ahead if you want to save time. You can cook the apple filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pastries. For the freshest texture, it is best to prepare and bake the buns close to serving time.

Can I Freeze Apple Buns?

Apple buns can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked buns, place them on a tray first until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, they can usually go directly into the oven. Baked buns can also be frozen, although the pastry texture is usually best when freshly prepared.

What Can I Use Instead of Apricot Jam?

If you do not have apricot jam, you can substitute it with another fruit jam such as peach, apple, or orange marmalade. Choose a jam with a smooth texture, so it blends easily with the apple mixture.

What Can I Serve With Apple Buns?

Apple buns pair nicely with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk. For dessert, they can be served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or honey.

How to Store Any Leftovers

You can keep them at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate them for up to three days. The pastry may soften slightly in the fridge, but reheating can help restore some of its texture.

How to Make Apple Buns

Step 1

Step 1

Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into slices. Continue chopping until you have small cubes of around 1cm in size.

Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into slices. Continue chopping until you have small cubes of around 1cm in size.

Step 2

Step 2

Add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts.

Add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts.

Step 3

Step 3

Once the sugar mixture has melted, add the diced apples and apricot jam. Stir everything together and allow the apples to soften over low heat.

Once the sugar mixture has melted, add the diced apples and apricot jam. Stir everything together and allow the apples to soften over low heat.

Step 4

Step 4

Cut the puff pastry into six equal squares. Brush the edges lightly with some of the apple cooking liquid. Place a couple of teaspoons of the apple mixture on each pastry square.

Cut the puff pastry into six equal squares. Brush the edges lightly with some of the apple cooking liquid. Place a couple of teaspoons of the apple mixture on each pastry square.

Step 5

Step 5

Fold each square and brush with apple cooking liquid. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the sides firmly.

Fold each square and brush with apple cooking liquid. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the sides firmly.

Step 6

Step 6

Place the prepared buns on a baking tray and bake at 220°C (428°F) for 12 minutes.

Place the prepared buns on a baking tray and bake at 220°C (428°F) for 12 minutes.

Step 7

Step 7

Allow the apple buns to cool before serving. Enjoy!

Allow the apple buns to cool before serving. Enjoy!