Delicious Puff Pastry Apple Tart – A Delight for Baking Enthusiasts

Made with a sheet of puff pastry, a crisp apple, and just the right amount of spices, this puff pastry apple tart is an easy autumn dessert that’s delicious and elegant enough to serve to guests.

Two plated slices of puff pastry apple tart topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce.

As September unfolds and thoughts of Halloween linger ahead, it’s hard to ignore the approaching holiday season. Even if Thanksgiving feels like a distant thought, various fall get-togethers, game days, and new occasions for entertaining are just around the corner.

When hosting guests, recipes that are simple yet look impressive are always appreciated. Dishes like marinated cheese, apple butter brie bites, mini pumpkin pies, and this delightful puff pastry apple tart fit the bill perfectly.

Easy Apple Tart Made with Puff Pastry

Pies and tarts are classic desserts that never fail to impress, but I admit they can be a bit tricky to perfect. While my friend Stephie might be the pie queen, even she acknowledges that sometimes the effort required for traditional pies, like apple crumb or cherry pie, can be daunting.

For moments when you want to whip up a beautiful dessert in minutes, this puff pastry apple tart is a game changer. With just one sheet of puff pastry and a handful of ingredients, you can assemble and bake this tart in about 45 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for a last-minute dessert that is both straightforward and stunning enough for the holidays.

Sliced puff pastry apple tart on a marble board.

How to Make Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients for this simple recipe:

  • 1 large baking apple
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 ½ tablespoons apricot preserves
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1 sheet thawed puff pastry
Ingredients for puff pastry apple tart on a countertop.

This tart requires just a single apple, making it an ideal recipe for times when you’re short on ingredients. It’s also a great way to use leftover puff pastry after making dishes like chicken pot pie casserole. Feel free to swap apple pie spice with ground cinnamon if needed.

Making This Apple Tart

Start by preparing the apple. Core and slice it thinly, about ⅛-inch thick. A mandoline can expedite this process. There’s no need to peel the apple, as the peel adds a lovely touch to the tart.

Apple slices tossed with spices in a white bowl.

In a bowl, combine the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, spices, and salt to coat thoroughly. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of apricot preserves in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and stir in the vanilla.

Melted apricot preserved in a white bowl.

Unfold the puff pastry onto a floured surface and roll it into a 9×9-inch square. Place it on a lined baking sheet, score a ½-inch border around the edge, and poke holes within the score marks. Spread the melted preserves inside the border, then arrange the apple slices on top.

Unbaked puff pastry apple tart on a sheet pan, ready to go in the oven.

Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until the edges are puffed and golden, and the underside is crisp. After baking, melt the remaining apricot preserves, brush it over the warm tart, and allow it to cool before slicing.

Dusting powdered sugar on top of puff pastry apple tart.

Serving Suggestions

This apple tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Dust it with powdered sugar, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apple do you recommend using for this tart?

I recommend using tart and crisp baking apples such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Honeycrisp, or Cortland apples for the best flavor.

Can I use gluten-free puff pastry?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with a gluten-free brand of puff pastry without altering the recipe.

What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?

The best method is to thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, leave it out on the counter for about 30-40 minutes but ensure it doesn’t become too soft.

Recipe

Ingredients Instructions
1 large baking apple Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
1 tablespoon lemon juice Core apple and cut into ⅛-inch slices.
¼ cup light brown sugar Combine apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, pie spice, and salt. Toss to coat.
1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice Microwave 2 tablespoons apricot preserves until melted, then stir in vanilla.
Pinch of salt Unfold and roll puff pastry into a 9×9 square.
3 ½ tablespoons apricot preserves Score pastry, poke holes, and spread preservative mixture over.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or bean paste Arrange apple slices on top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
1 sheet thawed puff pastry Brush with melted preserves and let cool before slicing.

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