Apple Bear Claw Recipe Easy Homemade Pastry Treat

There’s something irresistibly charming about the classic apple bear claw, a pastry that combines the sweet, tender bite of spiced apples with flaky, buttery dough shaped into a fun, claw-like design. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast treat or a delightful snack alongside your afternoon coffee, this recipe will bring a touch of bakery magic right into your kitchen.

Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg, the filling bursts with flavor while the golden crust offers a satisfying crunch. Best of all, making bear claws at home allows you to customize the sweetness and spice intensity to your liking, ensuring every bite is pure delight.

Ready to impress family and friends with a fresh batch of homemade apple bear claws? Let’s dive into a detailed recipe that’s easy to follow and yields bakery-worthy results every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple bear claw recipe stands out for its simplicity and homemade charm. Instead of relying on store-bought dough, you’ll create a tender, buttery pastry from scratch that bakes into a perfect golden crust.

The filling is bursting with fresh apples and warm spices, delivering a cozy, nostalgic flavor that’s ideal for fall mornings or anytime you want a comforting pastry.

Plus, the bear claw design is both fun and impressive, making it great for special occasions, brunches, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate vegan or gluten-free tweaks if you want to explore alternative baking options.

Not to mention, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee and can be refrigerated or frozen for convenience, so you always have a sweet treat on hand. If you enjoy baking, you might also love some of our other recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ⅓ to ½ cup cold water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• For the Apple Filling:
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• For Assembly & Topping:
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) or plant-based milk for vegan option
• Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pastry cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Skillet or saucepan for cooking apple filling

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
2. Add water gradually: Stir in the cold water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook the apple filling: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×10 inch rectangle. Cut into 6 equal rectangles.
5. Fill the bear claws: Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto one half of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, forming a rectangle shape.
6. Cut the claws: On the folded edge, make 4-5 evenly spaced slits to resemble “claws,” being careful not to cut all the way through.
7. Shape and seal: Gently pull the slits outward to resemble claws. Press the edges to seal well to prevent filling leakage.
8. Apply egg wash & sugar: Place the bear claws on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg or plant milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar for crunch and shine.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bear claws for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
10. Cool and serve: Let the bear claws cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For flakier pastry, keep your butter and water very cold. You can also chill the dough again after shaping before baking.

• Vegan option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk for the egg wash.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blends and follow the package instructions for liquid adjustments.
• Extra flavor: Mix chopped toasted almonds or walnuts into the apple filling for texture.
• Glaze: After baking, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness.
• Other fillings: Swap apples for pears or peaches depending on the season.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Apple bear claws are best enjoyed fresh and warm, ideally with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a decadent breakfast, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side.

They also make a wonderful dessert paired with a scoop of cinnamon or caramel ice cream.

For a more substantial brunch, consider pairing with savory dishes such as scrambled eggs or a fresh green salad. If you want to explore more delicious baked goods, check out our Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats.

Conclusion

Making apple bear claws at home is a rewarding and fun baking project that brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this recipe offers a comforting treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

The unique claw shape adds a playful element that makes these pastries special for any occasion, from weekend breakfasts to festive gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors and dietary preferences. Plus, baking your own bear claws means you control the ingredients and sweetness, resulting in a fresher, tastier pastry than store-bought versions.

Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping to keep your culinary adventures exciting and healthy.

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