Puff Pastry Apple Tart

$For this recipe, you need one sheet of puff pastry. Make sure it is thawed. You can find it in the freezer section of your grocery store. Puff pastry gives the tart its flaky and light texture. Use three medium-sized apples for the filling. I suggest Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp is sweet and crisp. Peel and slice them thin for even cooking. You will need these ingredients to enhance the flavor: - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting - Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving The sugar adds sweetness, while the cinnamon brings warmth. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, and butter helps the apples caramelize. The egg wash gives the crust a golden color. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a perfect tart. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up easy. Take your sheet of puff pastry out of the fridge. Let it thaw until soft but still cold. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Gently lay it on your lined baking sheet. This will be the base for your delightful tart. Next, grab three medium-sized apples. I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel and thinly slice them. In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Toss to coat the apples well. This mix adds flavor and sweetness. Now it's time to assemble! Use a sharp knife to lightly score a border about 1 inch from the edges of the pastry. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Spread the apple mixture evenly within this border. Overlap the slices slightly for a beautiful look. In a small bowl, beat 1 egg and brush it over the outer edges of the pastry. This helps create a golden finish. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the pastry to be golden brown and flaky, and the apples tender. Once baked, take the tart out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This resting time allows the flavors to settle. For a lovely finish, dust the tart with powdered sugar. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat! For the best flavor, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These types add a nice balance of sweet and tart. You want apples that hold their shape when cooked. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy. To get that perfect crust, make sure to roll out the puff pastry evenly. A thickness of about 1/8 inch works best. Also, remember to brush the edges with egg wash. This step gives the crust a shiny, golden finish. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes to achieve that flaky texture. You can prepare the tart in advance. Assemble the tart and cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge. It will still taste fresh and delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar. Prevent Soggy Pastry: To keep the puff pastry crisp, consider sprinkling a thin layer of cornstarch or breadcrumbs on the pastry before adding the apples. This helps absorb excess moisture from the fruit. Egg Wash for Shine: For an extra glossy finish, make sure to brush the egg wash not just on the edges but also lightly over the surface of the pastry. This will enhance the golden color when baked. Serve with Style: Elevate your dessert by serving the tart warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This adds a delightful richness that complements the apples perfectly. {{image_4}} You can add nuts for a nice crunch. I like to use walnuts or pecans. Chop them finely and mix them in with the apples. This adds texture and a rich flavor to your tart. Try about 1/4 cup of nuts for the perfect balance. Spices can change the taste of your apple tart. Cinnamon is classic, but you can try nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A dash of allspice can also add a nice twist. Mix in your chosen spice with the sugar before adding it to the apples. This gives every bite a lovely flavor. Serving your tart with ice cream is a must. Vanilla ice cream pairs well with the warm tart. The cold ice cream melts slightly on the hot dessert, creating a creamy blend. You can also try caramel or cinnamon ice cream for extra flavor. Just scoop a generous portion on top or beside the tart for a delightful treat. After you enjoy your puff pastry apple tart, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the tart in an airtight container. If you do not have one, cover it with plastic wrap. This helps keep it fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools completely before you cover it. If you leave it out, it can become soggy. When you want to enjoy your leftover tart, you can reheat it easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until it warms through. This method keeps the crust crispy and flaky. You can also microwave it, but the crust may not be as nice. If you want to save your tart for later, you can freeze it. Make sure it cools completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The tart can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry. It works great for this tart. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can also let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes it easy to roll out and shape. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are the best choices for apple tart. Granny Smith gives a nice tart flavor, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can mix both for a balanced taste. The tart is done when the pastry is golden brown and flaky. The apples should be tender but not mushy. It usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on it for the best results. Yes, you can add other fruits! Pears or berries pair well with apples. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if needed. This adds more flavor and variety to your tart. You can store the tart for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. You learned how to make a delicious apple tart using puff pastry and fresh apples. I shared tips on choosing the best apples, achieving a flaky crust, and storing leftovers. Remember, you can add nuts or spices for more flavor. This tart pairs well with ice cream too! Making this dessert is simple and fun. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it with others. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the end result will impress everyone. Happy baking!$

A delicious tart made with puff pastry and fresh apples, perfect for dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
3 medium-sized apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 egg for egg wash
optional powdered sugar for dusting
optional vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the pastry onto the lined baking sheet, making sure it's as flat as possible.
Using a sharp knife, lightly score a border approximately 1 inch from the edges of the pastry. Take care not to cut all the way through; this scoring creates a deliciously puffed-up border when baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated in the mixture.
Evenly spread the apple mixture within the scored border of the puff pastry, arranging the slices in a slightly overlapping pattern for an attractive presentation.
In a small bowl, beat the egg, then brush it over the outer edges of the pastry. This helps achieve a beautiful golden finish as the tart bakes.
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake it for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the apples have become tender.
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This resting time allows the flavors to settle.
For an elegant touch, dust the tart lightly with powdered sugar before slicing. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.

Keyword apple tart, dessert, puff pastry