These baked goods feature a crisp, layered pastry encasing a sweet fruit filling. The pastry’s delicate structure is achieved through the use of paper-thin sheets, creating a satisfyingly flaky texture that contrasts with the soft, often spiced, apple interior. A classic example consists of diced apples, cinnamon, and sugar enveloped in this layered dough, then baked until golden brown.
The appeal lies in the contrast between the buttery, delicate exterior and the warm, comforting filling. This combination provides a textural and flavor experience that is both sophisticated and familiar. Historically, using this type of dough offered a method for creating elaborate and impressive desserts with relatively simple ingredients, elevating the fruit filling to something special.