BAKED APPLE CROISSANTS (starbucks inspired)
- WineCheeseScallops
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen! These Baked Apple Croissants are inspired by the seasonal favorite from Starbucks but made fresh in your own home. Buttery, flaky puff pastry envelops a sweet and spiced apple filling, making these the perfect breakfast treat or afternoon indulgence with a hot cup of coffee.
Why wait in line when you can whip up these delightful pastries yourself? With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have golden, bakery-worthy apple croissants that taste even better than the ones from your favorite café!
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Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut to creating bakery-style pastries at home. Made by layering butter and dough multiple times, it puffs up beautifully when baked, creating that irresistibly crisp and flaky texture. Using store-bought puff pastry saves time while still delivering a professional-quality pastry. Just be sure to keep it cold before working with it to maintain its delicate layers!
Apples
The star of the filling, apples bring natural sweetness and a bit of tartness that balances beautifully with the warm spices. Choose a firm apple variety like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best texture—soft apples can become too mushy during baking. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar enhances the apples’ natural flavor, creating a comforting filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.
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Recipe Inspiration & Origin
The inspiration for these Baked Apple Croissants comes straight from Starbucks' beloved seasonal pastries, but with a homemade twist that makes them even better! Store-bought pastries often lack that fresh-from-the-oven flakiness and real fruit flavor, so we set out to create a version that is crispy, buttery, and bursting with spiced apple goodness.
Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or a cozy dessert, these croissants bring all the nostalgic flavors of fall—but they’re so good, you’ll want to make them year-round. Plus, making them at home means you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more flavorful bite every time!
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Tips, Serving Suggestions & Storage Advice
Use Cold Puff Pastry – Keep your puff pastry chilled until ready to use. If it gets too warm, the butter layers will melt, and you won’t get that beautiful flaky texture.
Choose the Right Apples – Opt for firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to prevent a mushy filling.
Don’t Overfill – A heaping spoonful of apple filling per croissant is perfect. Overfilling can lead to leakage during baking.
Egg Wash for Shine – Brushing the croissants with egg wash ensures a golden, glossy finish.
Try Different Spices – Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
Serve with Ice Cream – These croissants make a fantastic dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzle with Caramel – For extra decadence, drizzle warm caramel over the top before serving.
Make Ahead Friendly – Prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days.
Reheat for Freshness – Warm leftovers in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to revive the crispness.
Freeze for Later – Freeze unbaked croissants, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Unique Recipe Qualities | BAKED APPLE CROISSANTS
✔️ Starbucks-Inspired, but Better – Fresh, homemade, and flakier than store-bought.
✔️ Flaky, Buttery Pastry – Perfectly crisp and golden.
✔️ Warm, Spiced Apple Filling – A comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Made with store-bought puff pastry for a hassle-free bake.
✔️ Versatile – Enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the filling in advance.
✔️ Customizable – Try with pears, add nuts, or drizzle with icing.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – A fun and tasty treat for the whole family.
✔️ Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for batch baking and enjoying later.
✔️ Pairs Perfectly with Coffee – Just like your favorite café pastry!
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Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3-4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into ¼ to ½-inch pieces
½ tablespoon lemon juice
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package puff pastry
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions:
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the apples soften slightly.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apple mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for another 3 minutes, or until the filling thickens.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spray 8 wells of a standard muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or line with paper liners.
Assemble the Croissants:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 8 equal squares.
Gently press each square into the bottom and sides of the prepared muffin pan.
Spoon the apple filling into each pastry cup, filling them almost to the top.
Fold the four corners of each pastry square slightly over the filling, leaving a small opening in the center.
Egg Wash & Bake:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar for added crunch.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
Cool & Serve:
Let the croissants cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or as a sweet snack.
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FAQ Section
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have the time and patience to make puff pastry from scratch, it will add an even richer, buttery flavor.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their texture best during baking.
Can I freeze these croissants?
Yes! Freeze unbaked croissants and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
Can I add a topping?
A caramel drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar makes them even more irresistible!
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