Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that reveals a creamy ricotta filling and tender apple slices - a culinary masterpiece that bridges the gap between elegant dessert and irresistible comfort food. These Apple Wrapped Ricotta Tarts are not just a recipe, they're a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy treat you can easily create in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something extraordinary, these tarts promise to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 8 equal squares, approximately 4x4 inches each.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, honey, and lemon zest. Stir until well blended and creamy. This mixture will serve as the filling for your tarts.
- Place a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange a few slices of the thinly sliced apple on top of the ricotta filling. You can overlap the slices for a decorative effect.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, creating a small envelope around the filling. Pinch the edges to seal them securely.
- Brush the tops of the wrapped tarts with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
- Place the prepared tarts on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for puffing during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm, drizzled with additional honey if desired. Enjoy your delicious Apple Wrapped Ricotta Tarts!
Tips
- Use cold puff pastry and work quickly to maintain its flakiness
- Slice apples thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking
- Don't overfill the pastry squares to prevent leaking during baking
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the ricotta mixture
- Make sure to seal the pastry edges well to keep the filling inside
- Use a sharp knife to create clean, precise pastry cuts
- Let the tarts rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set the filling
- For a more decadent version, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- These tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days
- Experiment with different fruits like pears or peaches for variety
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
