Description
This Puff Pastry Apple Tart is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring thinly sliced apples tossed in warm spices and brown sugar, arranged over flaky puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection. The tart is finished with a light honey glaze that adds a delicate sweetness and shine, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 3 small/medium apples, peeled and sliced thin
Puff Pastry
- 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed)
Spices and Sweeteners
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Fats
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the tart.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and slice the apples very thinly. In a small bowl, combine the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on top. Using a sharp knife, score a line about one inch from the edges around the pastry, making sure not to cut all the way through to help the border puff up and contain the apple juices.
- Dock the Pastry: Using a fork, poke holes in the center area inside the scored border. This prevents excessive puffing in the middle. Then brush the scored border with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Arrange Apples: Neatly arrange the spiced apple slices on top of the puff pastry inside the scored border. You can lay them out in three even rows or in any creative pattern you prefer.
- Bake the Tart: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are puffed up and golden brown. Begin checking around 15 minutes and monitor closely every 2 minutes to avoid burning.
- Glaze and Serve: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and gently brush the tops of the apples with honey to add a glossy finish and extra sweetness. If desired, warm the honey in the microwave for 15 seconds to thin it out before brushing. Let the tart cool for several minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using for easier handling and better puff.
- Scoring the border without cutting through the pastry helps create a raised edge that keeps juices contained.
- If you prefer a less sweet tart, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit the honey glaze.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements this tart beautifully.
