This Apple Puff Pastry Tart is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress. With its flaky puff pastry, juicy apple filling, and golden crust, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. The sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the apples, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, this tart is sure to be a hit.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Cuisine This recipe is inspired by classic European pastries, where puff pastry is used to create light and crispy crusts that encase various fillings, like fruits or creams. The apple filling gives this tart a sweet, comforting flavor perfect for any season.
Full List of Ingredients
- 2 large apples (or 3 small apples, about 450g total)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 70g brown sugar
- 10g cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 chilled puff pastry sheet (or use homemade pastry dough)
- 90g apricot jam
- 1 egg (beaten, for brushing)
- Pearl sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional: Ice cream, for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Apples:
- Peel and core the apples, then chop them into small pieces. Drizzle the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep them fresh while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
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Mix the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Add the chopped apples and toss everything together until the apples are well-coated with the sugar mixture. Set the bowl aside.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Lay out the chilled puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Mark a rectangle in the center of the sheet, leaving space on all sides. Use a sharp knife to discard the four corners of the puff pastry, creating a border around the rectangle.
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Make Diagonal Cuts:
- On the sides of the rectangle, make diagonal cuts about 2-3 cm apart. These cuts will help you fold the pastry in a decorative pattern.
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Prepare the Apricot Jam:
- In a small bowl, heat the apricot jam slightly in the microwave or on the stove to make it easier to spread. Once melted, spread the apricot jam evenly over the center rectangle of the pastry.
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Assemble the Tart:
- Carefully spoon the apple mixture onto the center of the pastry, making sure to leave the apple juice behind in the bowl.
- Seal the edges of the puff pastry by folding the diagonal strips over the apples, alternating sides as you go. Press the strips gently to seal the tart.
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Brush and Sprinkle:
- Brush the edges of the pastry and the top of the tart with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle pearl sugar or granulated sugar over the top of the pastry to add a sweet crunch.
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Bake the Tart:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once the tart is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Gently slide a knife under the tart to ensure it doesn’t stick to the parchment paper. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe Tarts made with puff pastry are a common treat in European cuisine, especially in French and Italian bakeries. The use of puff pastry creates a light, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with sweet fruit fillings, making these tarts both visually appealing and delicious. This apple version is a classic and beloved dessert, often served during the fall when apples are in season.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Crispy: The puff pastry provides a crispy, buttery texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender apple filling.
- Simple and Quick: With only a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this tart can be prepared in under an hour.
- Customizable: You can swap the apples for other fruits, like pears, peaches, or berries, depending on what’s in season.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, it’s great for family gatherings, parties, or a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fiber: Apples are a great source of dietary fiber, which helps digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
- Antioxidants: Apples and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Moderate in Calories: While this dessert is indulgent, it’s relatively moderate in calories, especially when served in smaller portions.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: This tart is amazing when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- With Fresh Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter topping, fresh whipped cream pairs beautifully with the warm apple tart.
- With Tea or Coffee: Serve this tart as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect pairing.
Cooking Tips
- Keep the Puff Pastry Chilled: Make sure your puff pastry is chilled before working with it to ensure it bakes up light and flaky.
- Use Firm Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, which hold up well when baked and don’t turn mushy.
- Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overload the pastry with too many apples or the filling will overflow while baking.
Variations to Try
- Caramelized Apple Tart: For a sweeter, more indulgent version, try caramelizing the apples with butter and sugar before adding them to the pastry.
- Nutty Version: Add some crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
- Spiced Version: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cloves for a warm, aromatic twist.
Conclusion This Apple Puff Pastry Tart is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of crisp puff pastry, tender apples, and sweet apricot jam creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served warm with ice cream or at room temperature, it’s an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and will save you time.
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Can I use a different fruit for this recipe? Yes, you can swap the apples for pears, peaches, or berries, depending on what’s in season.
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Can I freeze this tart before baking? Yes, you can freeze the assembled tart before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Can I make this tart without apricot jam? Yes, you can use other types of jam, like raspberry or peach, or simply omit the jam for a more traditional apple tart.
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Can I make this tart vegan? Yes, you can use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free puff pastry to make this recipe vegan.
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How do I store leftover tart? Store leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
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Can I make this tart ahead of time? Yes, you can make this tart ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
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How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy? Be sure to bake the tart until the pastry is golden and crisp. Avoid overloading the filling, and let the tart cool slightly before serving.
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Can I make individual portions instead of one large tart? Yes, you can make smaller individual tarts by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares or circles and assembling them the same way.
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Can I add nuts to the filling? Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the apple filling will add a lovely crunch and richness to the tart.