Apple is delicious in desserts anytime of the year, but there’s something even more satisfying about an apple delight during wintertime to give you the extra warm fuzzies.
With the chill setting in, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and start baking (or if baking isn’t your forte, you can always swing by Pinjarra Bakery for your apple dessert fix)!
We’re going to share our top 5 apple desserts and why you’ll love them too.
Apple Pie
Let’s start with a classic winter favourite – the humble apple pie. You can’t go past a warm buttery crust filled with a rich cinnamon spiced apple filling, that’s juicy and with just the right amount of sweet, all combined to give you the perfect after dinner treat – or anytime of the day for that matter.
Tip: It’s not really a tip but a must-have – don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream to top it all off.
Apple Strudel
Isn’t this just a fancy way of saying apple pie? No, actually there is a difference between an apple pie and apple strudel. The flavours are all there, but it’s the pastry that ultimately gives it a subtly distinctive taste. Unlike an apple pie, the pastry in a strudel is layered and rolled with the filling, and it’s baked on a baking tray rather than a pie dish.
The word strudel comes from the German word ‘whirlpool’ given this name because the rolled layers of pastry mirror the inside of a whirlpool. It has a German name, but the strudel originated in Austria.
A traditional strudel is made with strudel dough, a paper thin dough (similar to filo pastry) that’s hand stretched into a long sheet. To make your own apple strudel at home, you can use store bought filo or puff pastry, but if you’re a pastry whizz, then by all means make it from scratch as homemade always tastes best!
Tip: Want to take your strudel next level? Add in some rum-soaked raisins to your apple filling.
Apple Turnover
Another classic pastry is the apple turnover, made with a simple apple filling spooned onto the centre of a puff pastry square, then folded into a triangle shape to ensure the filling is encased. The turnovers are then baked in the oven until golden brown. When you bite into an apple turnover it should be light and flaky. Nothing but yum!
Tip: You can make these ahead. Once you’ve filled and assembled your pastries, place them on a baking tray and into the freezer until solid (about 2 hours should do the trick). Then pop them into a zip lock bag or airtight container in the freezer, and bake them from frozen when you’re ready for an apple treat.
Apple Custard Crumble
Our apple custard crumble takes all the deliciousness of an apple pie, and gives it a boost with a rich custard baked into the crispy crumble topping. It only takes a few ingredients to easily make your own custard at home, but if time is a factor, then store bought custard will the job too.
You can make your apple crumble with or without pastry. Our apple custard crumble is made with the perfect combination of sweet and buttery pastry.
Tip: Experiment with other fruits such as rhubarb, blueberries, raspberries and pears.
Apple Slice
When it comes to good old fashioned slices, the apple slice is up there with the caramel or vanilla slice. And best of all, it’s pretty straightforward to make and takes no time at all. If you haven’t already, add this one to your list of go-to desserts.
Tip: Once you have stewed your apples, make sure to drain out any liquid, otherwise it will make your slice too soggy.
What kind of apples should I use in my desserts?
It’s a question we get asked a lot. Granny Smith apples are great if you want to keep the shape, hold and texture of apples in desserts. The tartness of Granny Smith apples is also a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pastry. But, if you prefer it sweet, try using Gala and Golden Delicious varieties.
Finger food catering Perth – place an order for your winter gathering
Take the hassles away from making your own food for your next gathering with Pinjarra Bakery’s crowd pleasing finger food catering options. Just be sure to give our Perth catering team at least 24 hours’ notice, so we can get everything ready in time.
