Pin Flaky puff pastry swirled with cinnamon apples and gooey caramel, baked to golden perfection for a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat.
The first time I made these caramel apple pinwheels, my kitchen smelled like a bakery, and everyone wanted seconds right out of the oven.
Ingredients
- Apples: 2 medium (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g), frozen and thawed
- Caramel sauce: 3 tbsp, plus extra for drizzling
- Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp, melted
- Powdered sugar: 1 tbsp (optional, for garnish)
- Additional caramel sauce: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix apples:
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Roll out pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out thawed puff pastry to a 12-x-10-inch (30-x-25-cm) rectangle.
- Add butter and caramel:
- Brush pastry surface with melted butter. Spread caramel sauce evenly, leaving a ½-inch (1.3 cm) border along one long edge.
- Add apples:
- Scatter cinnamon apple mixture evenly over caramel layer.
- Form pinwheels:
- Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up pastry into a log. Pinch seam to seal.
- Slice and arrange:
- Slice roll into 12 equal pieces. Place pinwheels cut side up on prepared baking sheet, spacing apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Finish and serve:
- Let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin 
When I brought these to a family brunch, they vanished in minutes and my mother requested the recipe for her next gathering.
Required Tools
You'll need a mixing bowl, rolling pin, pastry brush, sharp knife, baking sheet, and parchment paper for perfect pinwheels.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat and milk. If using store-bought caramel, always confirm labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each pinwheel has about 130 calories, with 6 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Pin Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel for a bakery-worthy finish. Enjoy these pinwheels as an easy dessert or a sweet brunch bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce adds a richer flavor and can be used instead of store-bought. Ensure it’s not too runny for spreading.
- → What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended for a tart flavor and firm texture. Other firm apples can also be used.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble the pinwheels ahead and refrigerate before baking. Warm in a low oven before serving for best results.
- → Is there a dairy-free option?
Use plant-based butter and check that the caramel sauce is dairy-free to make this dish suitable for those avoiding milk.
- → How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling during baking?
Pinch the pastry seam well after rolling and slice carefully with a sharp knife. Chilled pastry helps maintain shape while baking.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple layer before rolling for added crunch and flavor.