Apple Swirls with Puff Pastry

Apple swirls with puff pastry are among those treats I love to prepare when I have little time but want to bring something good, fragrant, and irresistible to the table. A single apple and a roll of puff pastry are enough to make a crunchy, golden dessert with the comforting aroma of home in less than half an hour.


I often make them on autumn afternoons, when the scent of baked apples fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack, served still warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a cup of hot tea.


They remind me of apple turnovers, but in a lighter, rolled version, ideal when you want a quick yet attractive dessert. If you love apple recipes, I also recommend trying my apple and cinnamon muffins: they are super soft and smell like fall!

You may also be interested in:

Puff pastry apple swirls with powdered sugar
  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Cost: Very Cheap
  • Preparation time: 10 Minutes
  • Portions: 10 Pieces
  • Cooking methods: Electric Oven
  • Cuisine: Italian
14.85 Kcal
calories per serving
Info Close
  • Energy 14.85 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 3.50 (g) of which sugars 3.35 (g)
  • Proteins 0.06 (g)
  • Fat 0.10 (g) of which saturated 0.01 (g)of which unsaturated 0.08 (g)
  • Fibers 0.38 (g)
  • Sodium 0.56 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 36 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients for Apple Swirls with Puff Pastry

  • 1 roll puff pastry
  • 1 apple (large)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp apricot jam (for brushing the pastry)
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • to taste powdered sugar (for decorating)
  • to taste chopped almonds (optional)

Useful Tools

  • Knife
  • Bowl
  • Brush kitchen
  • Baking Tray flat

How to Prepare Apple Swirls with Puff Pastry

1. Peel the apple, cut it into small cubes, and place it in a bowl. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix well to flavor.
2. Unroll the rectangular puff pastry and brush it with a thin layer of apricot jam: this will help the filling adhere and make the swirls more golden.
3. Evenly distribute the apple cubes across the entire surface, leaving a small border on the long side for sealing.
4. Roll the pastry from the long side, gently tightening to achieve a compact roll.
5. Cut the roll into slices about 1-1.5 inches thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in a preheated convection oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until the swirls are puffed and golden.
7. Let them cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
They are irresistible straight from the oven but also great cold: the scent of apple and cinnamon is captivating!

Storage and Useful Tips

The apple swirls with puff pastry can be stored for 2 days in an airtight container, but I recommend warming them in the oven for a few minutes before enjoying them: they’ll become crisp again as if freshly made.

For a delicious variant, you can add chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts to the filling.
For a lighter version, replace the granulated sugar with honey or coconut sugar.
For a fresh effect, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Swirls with Puff Pastry

  • Can I replace the apricot jam?

    Sure! Peach or apple jam also works well, or you can omit it entirely if you prefer a drier result.

  • Can I freeze them?

    Yes, after baking: they keep perfectly for a month and just need to be reheated at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Author image

idolcidisusy

Idolcidisusy is the blog of Tiziana, a pastry chef and food blogger. It features recipes for simple and delicious desserts, explained step by step: tarts, soft cakes, cheesecakes, and desserts for every occasion.

Read the Blog