Name: Gluten Free Apple Mille Feuille
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 package gluten-free puff pastry sheets, thawed; 2 firm apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups milk; 3 egg yolks; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar (for dusting or optional glaze)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the classic French mille feuille and gives it a delicious seasonal twist with apples, while making it accessible to those on a gluten-free diet. It’s impressive enough for dinner parties, yet approachable enough for a weekend baking project. You’ll love the contrast between the flaky gluten-free pastry and the smooth pastry cream, topped off with tender, spiced apples.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Gluten-free puff pastry sheets
Apples (preferably firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cornstarch
Milk
Egg yolks
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Salt
Powdered sugar (for dusting or icing, optional)

Directions

Prepare the puff pastry: Thaw the gluten-free puff pastry according to package instructions. Roll out and cut into equal rectangles. Prick with a fork and bake until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
Make the caramelized apples: Peel and thinly slice the apples. Sauté them in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the pastry cream: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and let it cool completely.
Assemble the mille feuille: Place one layer of baked puff pastry on a serving plate. Spread a layer of pastry cream, then arrange caramelized apple slices on top. Repeat for two more layers, finishing with a top pastry layer.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

Swap apples for pears or stone fruits like peaches or plums.
Add a touch of Calvados or brandy to the apples for extra depth.
Use a dairy-free pastry cream for a fully dairy-free version.
Add chopped nuts between the layers for added crunch.
Incorporate a thin layer of jam (like apricot or raspberry) for a hint of tartness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover mille feuille in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the pastry may lose some of its crispness over time. Reheating is not recommended, as the cream will not hold up well to heat. Serve chilled or allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

What does “mille feuille” mean?

Mille feuille is French for “a thousand leaves,” referring to the multiple layers of flaky puff pastry in the dessert.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dessert a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Assemble it close to serving time for best texture.

Is gluten-free puff pastry easy to find?

Gluten-free puff pastry is available in many grocery stores or specialty food markets, often in the frozen section.

Can I freeze Gluten Free Apple Mille Feuille?

It’s not recommended to freeze once assembled, as the pastry and cream textures will change. However, components can be prepared and frozen separately.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well to caramelization and add a nice contrast to the sweet cream.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Cool the apples and cream before assembling, and serve soon after assembling. Baking the pastry thoroughly also helps.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and use a dairy-free puff pastry. The results will still be delicious.

How do I cut the mille feuille without it falling apart?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and gently saw through the layers. Chilling the dessert before slicing also helps maintain structure.

What can I use instead of cornstarch in the pastry cream?

You can substitute tapioca starch or arrowroot powder in equal amounts for a similar thickening effect.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes, it can be doubled and assembled in a larger slab to feed more guests, then sliced into individual portions.

Conclusion

This Gluten Free Apple Mille Feuille is a sophisticated dessert that proves gluten-free baking can be just as indulgent and beautiful as the classic versions. With flaky layers, creamy filling, and sweet caramelized apples, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table—perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you want to treat yourself.