When it comes to pasta, most people think of traditional savory dishes like spaghetti with marinara, fettuccine alfredo, or lasagna. But there’s a growing trend in the culinary world that flips this idea on its head—dessert pasta. If you’re looking to wow your dinner guests or add a surprising twist to a familiar flavor, dessert pasta may be your answer. And what better way to dive into this unique trend than with Apple Pie Ravioli?
This dessert combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the delicate texture of pasta, resulting in a treat that’s both comforting and novel. It’s sweet, a bit savory, and the perfect way to finish off a meal. Let’s dive into the world of dessert pasta, and learn how to create this delectable dish!
What is Dessert Pasta?
Dessert pasta is a sweet twist on traditional pasta, where you combine pasta dough with dessert ingredients to create a new flavor experience. From chocolate-dipped noodles to mascarpone-stuffed shells, dessert pasta is about pushing culinary boundaries and experimenting with textures and flavors. Apple Pie Ravioli is one of the most popular dessert pasta dishes, as it captures the warm and nostalgic flavors of apple pie, wrapped in a delightful pasta shell.
Why Apple Pie Ravioli?
Apple Pie Ravioli combines the essence of a comforting apple pie with the fun, interactive quality of pasta. With its warm apple-cinnamon filling and flaky, buttery dough, it delivers everything you love about apple pie, but in a small, handheld form that makes it easy to serve as a dessert or as a unique treat for holiday gatherings. The idea is simple yet innovative: instead of pie crust, you use pasta dough as the base, filling it with a spiced apple mixture, sealing it, and cooking it to perfection.
Recipe for Apple Pie Ravioli
Let’s get started on making Apple Pie Ravioli! This recipe serves about four and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Dough:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Apple Filling:
– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For Assembly and Topping:
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– Caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Create a well in the center and add the eggs. Mix together, then knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
3. If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit of water, and if it’s too sticky, add a little flour.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
1. Heat a small pan over medium heat and add the butter.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Sauté the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are soft and caramelized. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
1. Once the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a thin sheet, about 1/16 inch thick.
3. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. Repeat with the other portion.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Ravioli
1. Place a teaspoon of the apple filling in the center of half of the dough circles.
2. Brush the edges of each filled circle with a little egg wash.
3. Place another dough circle on top, gently pressing around the filling to seal.
4. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they’re tightly sealed. Repeat with the remaining circles.
Step 5: Cook the Ravioli
1. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and add a pinch of salt.
2. Carefully drop the ravioli into the water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the top.
- Remove the ravioli with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
1. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar.
2. While the ravioli are still warm, brush them with a little melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
3. Serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Dessert Pasta
Apple Pie Ravioli is versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:
1. Try Different Fillings: Experiment with other fillings like pear and chocolate, caramelized banana, or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
2. Add Nuts for Texture: Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, add a delightful crunch to the filling. Simply mix them in with the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
3. Use Premade Dough: If you’re short on time, try using store-bought wonton wrappers instead of making pasta dough from scratch. They work well for small ravioli and are quicker to prepare.
4. Pan-Fry for Extra Crispness: After boiling, you can quickly pan-fry the ravioli in butter to add a golden, crispy texture. This gives the dessert a bit more bite and enhances the buttery flavor.
5. Play with Sauces: Caramel sauce is a classic, but you can also try chocolate sauce, a spiced honey drizzle, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness.
Why Dessert Pasta is a Must-Try
Dessert pasta like Apple Pie Ravioli is a fresh and unexpected way to reinvent both pasta and dessert. This dish is perfect for those who love to experiment with food and create memorable dining experiences. It has the familiarity of apple pie with an elegant twist, thanks to the ravioli format. Plus, it’s versatile enough for different variations, allowing you to put your spin on it.
Whether you’re looking to surprise your dinner guests or simply want to try something new, dessert pasta is a great way to elevate your dessert game. Apple Pie Ravioli is an ideal choice—it’s fun to make, delicious, and sure to impress. So why not give it a try? Once you take that first bite of warm, spiced apple wrapped in delicate pasta, you’ll see why dessert pasta is a trend worth savoring.
With its playful appearance and comforting flavor, Apple Pie Ravioli is a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: pasta and pie. This is more than just a dessert—it’s a new way to appreciate the versatility of pasta. So, the next time you’re craving something unique, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on the sweet adventure of making Apple Pie Ravioli. Bon appétit!