Description
This Puff Pastry Apple Tart is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring thinly sliced apples seasoned with warm spices and arranged on a flaky puff pastry crust. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with honey for a glossy finish, it makes a perfect centerpiece for any occasion or a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 3 small/medium apples, peeled and sliced thin
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for tossing apples)
Pastry & Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing border)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for glazing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set 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 they are evenly coated.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet flat on the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a one-inch border around the edge of the pastry without cutting all the way through. This helps the edges puff up and keeps juices contained. Poke holes in the center area of the pastry with a fork to prevent excessive rising.
- Brush the borders: Apply the remaining tablespoon of melted butter evenly along the scored border of the puff pastry.
- Arrange the apples: Arrange the sliced, spiced apples over the central section of the pastry within the border. You can place them in neat rows or get creative with your arrangement for a fun presentation.
- Bake the tart: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tart for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry edges are puffed and golden brown. Check the tart at around 15 minutes, then keep a close eye on it, checking every 2 minutes to prevent burning.
- Glaze and serve: Remove the tart from the oven and gently brush the tops of the apples with honey to add a beautiful shine and extra sweetness. If needed, microwave the honey for about 15 seconds to thin it out before brushing. Allow the tart to cool for several minutes before serving to let the juices set.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold to get the best puff during baking.
- You can swap honey with apricot jam or maple syrup for glazing.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
- This dessert is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.
