Description
This Puff Pastry Apple Tart is a delightful and elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced apples are tossed in warm spices and brown sugar, then arranged beautifully on a flaky puff pastry crust. Baked until golden and puffed, and finished with a light honey glaze, this tart combines a crisp, buttery crust with tender, spiced apples for a simple yet impressive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Filling
- 3 small/medium apples, peeled and sliced thin
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Dough and Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the tart.
- Prepare the apples: Peel and slice the apples very thinly. In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until well coated.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on the paper. Use a sharp knife to gently score a border about one inch from the edge all around the pastry without cutting all the way through. This will help the edges puff up and keep the apple juices inside the border.
- Dock the pastry and butter the border: Use a fork to poke holes in the center portion of the puff pastry to prevent excessive puffing. Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter all over the border of the pastry.
- Assemble the tart: Arrange the apple slices on the center of the puff pastry inside the scored border. You can make neat rows or a creative pattern—just ensure the apples stay within the border.
- Bake the tart: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the puff pastry edges have risen and turned golden brown. Start checking at 15 minutes and then monitor closely every 2 minutes to avoid burning.
- Glaze and serve: Remove the tart from the oven and optionally brush the apples with honey for a glossy finish. You may warm the honey slightly in the microwave (about 15 seconds) to make it easier to brush. Let the tart cool for several minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold before working with it to get the best rise.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and firmness.
- If you prefer, substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or another sweetener.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil.
- Leftover tart can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the apple filling before baking adds texture and flavor.
