Save Flaky puff pastry spirals filled with creamy Nutella, sautéed caramel apples, and a touch of cinnamon, perfect for a sweet breakfast or festive dessert.
The first time I made these pinwheels for brunch, my family couldn&t get enough. Combining Nutella with warm caramel apples quickly became a favorite treat at our holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Apples: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Light brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: Pinch
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet (about 9x13 inches) frozen, thawed
- Nutella: 1/3 cup
- Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
- Caramel sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Optional nuts: 2 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans
- Powdered sugar: For dusting
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté apples:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread Nutella evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all edges.
- Add filling:
- Evenly distribute the cooled caramelized apples over the Nutella. Sprinkle with optional toasted nuts if using.
- Shape and slice:
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the pastry into a log. With a sharp knife, slice into 12 equal pinwheels.
- Arrange and bake:
- Arrange pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1–2 inches apart. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle warm pinwheels with caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save This recipe is always a hit with my family. My children love helping roll the pastry and adding their favorite toppings before baking.
Required Tools
Skillet, baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, pastry brush, mixing bowl
Notes
For extra crunch, use chopped hazelnuts or pecans. Substitute pears for apples for a twist. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 195 , Total Fat: 10 g , Carbohydrates: 25 g , Protein: 2 g per pinwheel
Save Serve these pinwheels fresh for a delightful bakery-style treat. They make any breakfast or party extra special.
Recipe Questions
- → What apples work best for pinwheels?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and offer balanced sweetness in the filling.
- → Can puff pastry be homemade?
Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry. Store-bought sheets are convenient and bake up similarly.
- → How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Cool the caramelized apples before layering to prevent excess moisture that can soften the pastry.
- → Are there nut-free options?
Skip chopped nuts and opt for seed-based spreads if avoiding hazelnuts. Always check labels for allergens.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Gently reheat pinwheels in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness before serving.
- → What are serving suggestions?
Serve pinwheels warm with powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or alongside vanilla ice cream.