Caramel Apple Puff Pastry

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat the apples in the butter and spices.
2. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the apples will soften and begin to caramelize. You’ll notice that the sugars start to form a rich syrup with the apples. Be sure to monitor closely to avoid burning the sugar.
3. Once the apples are soft and caramelized, stir in the vanilla extract. Afterward, add the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to the pan. Stir the mixture well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens to a nice, gooey consistency.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the apple filling to cool slightly before assembling the pastries. This cooling step helps prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking to the pan and ensure even baking.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on the size you prefer for your pastries.
3. Lightly score a border around each rectangle or square, about ½ inch from the edges, being careful not to cut through the pastry. This will allow the edges to puff up beautifully when baked while keeping the filling contained.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash along the edges of the puff pastry to give them a golden, shiny finish as they bake.
5. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on the edges of each pastry for an extra touch of sweetness and crispness once baked. The sugar will caramelize and create a beautiful, crispy border around the pastry.

Assemble & Bake