Parisian apples for the five o'clock tea

Apple pastries – the perfect delight for afternoon tea

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Proofing time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pastries

Every afternoon at 5 o'clock, a warm and cheerful tradition is created: afternoon tea. It is a special moment when we can enjoy the company of loved ones while savoring delicious treats. Today, I invite you to prepare apple pastries together, a quick and simple dessert that will bring a smile to everyone’s faces, especially the little ones.

A brief history of apple pastries

Apple pastries are a popular type of pastry, appreciated by many for their fluffy texture and delicious filling. It is believed that this type of dough was inspired by European pastry traditions, symbolizing joy and conviviality. They can be filled with various ingredients, but today we focus on the classic combination of apples, which reminds us of childhood and the enticing scent of baked apples.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 250 g sour yogurt
- 50 g brown sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 50 g butter, at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- Vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 5-6 medium apples
- 100 g brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Step by step: How to prepare apple pastries

1. Preparing the yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 100 ml of warm milk. Add the yeast and mix gently. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, add the remaining flour, yogurt, sugar, beaten eggs, soft butter, vanilla essence, and salt. Add the activated yeast and start kneading the dough. Continue kneading for 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 30-40 minutes).

3. Preparing the apple filling

Meanwhile, wash the apples, peel them, and grate them. Place the grated apples in a saucepan with the sugar and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. When the apples become soft, add the cinnamon and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool.

4. Shaping the pastries

After the dough has risen, divide it into balls of about 50 g each. On a floured work surface, roll each ball into a thin sheet. On the uncut half of the sheet, place a generous tablespoon of the apple filling. Roll the sheet, seal the ends, and make sure the filling won't leak out. Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, with the sealed ends facing down.

5. Second proofing

Let the pastries rise for 20-30 minutes, covered with a towel.

6. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pastries with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

Serving suggestions and variations

Apple pastries are excellent served warm alongside a cup of fragrant tea. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for added sweetness or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

If you want to experiment with fillings, you can try cottage cheese with sour cream or a mix of berries. Each variation will add a unique and interesting note to your dish.

Helpful tips

- Dough care: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve fluffy dough. If in doubt, you can check the yeast's activity by adding it to a mixture of warm water and sugar. If it bubbles, it's good.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that the eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- Fruits: Apples can be replaced with pears or peaches for a summer version, or you can use berries for a more tangy note.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, being rich in fiber that aids digestion. Additionally, the sour yogurt in the dough provides beneficial probiotics for gut flora, and brown sugar is a healthier alternative to white sugar, having a lower glycemic index.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, but you will need to activate it according to the package instructions.

2. How can I store the pastries?
If you have leftover pastries, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze them.

3. What other drinks pair well with these pastries?
Besides classic tea, you can serve the pastries with a flavored latte or a fresh fruit smoothie.

I encourage you to enjoy every step of this recipe, adapt it to your tastes, and share it with your loved ones. Enjoying these apple pastries will turn tea time into a memorable moment filled with smiles and warmth!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 250 g sour yogurt, 50 g brown sugar, 25 g brewer's yeast, 50 g butter, vanilla essence, a pinch of salt, 2 eggs. FILLING: 5-6 medium-sized apples, 100 g brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon.

 Tags:  apple pie