Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These apple and phyllo pastry triangles are the perfect blend of sweet, flaky, and utterly delicious. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. This ensures your pastries bake evenly and prevent sticking.
Prepare the apple filling:
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using). Mixing the apples with the spices evenly distributes the flavor.
Assemble the pastries:
-
Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat with 2-3 more sheets, creating a stack. Using multiple layers creates a richer, flakier pastry.
-
Cut the phyllo stack into triangles. You can either fold it in half and cut it into triangles or cut rectangles and then make triangles. Aim for triangles approximately 6 inches wide at the base.
-
Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto the wider end of each phyllo triangle.
-
Fold the two sides of the triangle over the filling to meet at the top point. Press gently to seal.
Bake to perfection:
-
Arrange the assembled triangles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with remaining melted butter for extra golden-brown crispness.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
Serve and enjoy:
- Let the apple and phyllo pastry triangles cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious homemade dessert!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple mixture.
- Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Make it vegan: Use a vegan butter alternative and omit the optional eggs.
- Citrus burst: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the apple filling for a refreshing zing.
- Make ahead: Assemble the pastries ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This is a great way to prepare for guests.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 2-3g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used. Remember to adjust portion sizes to fit your dietary needs. This delicious recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or the best recipes to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!