French Apple Pie with Puff Pastry: A Delicious and Easy Dessert
Introduction
French apple pie with puff pastry is a wonderfully comforting dessert, perfect for any occasion. The crispy, buttery puff pastry crust pairs beautifully with the sweet, tender apple filling, making each bite a delight. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that can be made in about an hour, so you can enjoy a homemade treat without much hassle. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in a sweet treat, this pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients
• 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry (20cm x 20cm)
• 1 large apple (about 400g), thinly sliced
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the apple filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 10g butter (unsalted or salted, for the apple filling)
• 1 tablespoon egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and thinly slice the apple into wedges (8 wedges, then slice each wedge). Place the apple slices in a microwave-safe bowl and add sugar, lemon juice, and butter. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 7 minutes. Stir the apples, then microwave for another 5 minutes until soft. Let the mixture cool.
Prepare the Pastry
While the apples cool, thaw the puff pastry sheets. Roll one sheet and use a round bowl or plate (about 18cm in diameter) to cut out a round pastry. From the second puff pastry sheet, cut 8 strips about 1.5cm wide and 20cm long for the lattice. Also, cut 12 strips about 7mm wide and 20cm long, then braid them to create three long braids. Roll the remaining pastry into a thin strip, about 55cm long and 5mm wide.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the round puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1cm border. Lay the 1.5cm wide strips of pastry over the apples to form a lattice. Trim any overhanging parts. Place the braided pastry around the outer edges and gently press the edges to seal.
Add the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the entire pie, including the braided edges, for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it, and if the edges begin to brown too much, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil.
Tips & Tricks
• Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your apples.
• Pastry Substitutes: If puff pastry is not available, you can use shortcrust pastry for a different texture.
• Adding Spice: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the apple filling will add a warm, cozy flavor.
• Leftover Pastry: Don’t waste any leftover puff pastry! You can make a quick and easy dessert by brushing the scraps with butter, sprinkling with sugar, and cinnamon, then baking until golden and crispy. They make perfect puff pastry twists or mini tarts.

Serving Suggestions
• With Ice Cream: Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement its sweetness.
• With Tea: Pair this pie with a hot cup of black tea or a dessert wine like Muscat for a complete indulgence.
Conclusion
This French apple pie with puff pastry is a beautifully simple yet elegant dessert. The combination of the buttery pastry, sweet apple filling, and golden-braided crust makes for an unforgettable treat. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy!

Discover more from Home&Away Eats
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.