Imagine a dessert so effortlessly elegant that it looks like you've trained in a Parisian bakery, yet takes just 40 minutes to create. This Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart is your secret weapon to transforming simple ingredients into a stunning culinary masterpiece that will have your guests wondering if a professional chef secretly visited your kitchen. With its golden, flaky crust and caramelized apple slices, this French-inspired dessert is about to become your new go-to recipe for impressing everyone from family to dinner guests.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the puff pastry sheet from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to become pliable.
- Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, aiming for uniform 1/8-inch thick slices.
- In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, ensuring each slice is evenly coated.
- Carefully unfold the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet, gently smoothing out any creases.
- Arrange the apple slices on the pastry, overlapping them slightly in a decorative pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Fold the pastry edges inward, creating a rustic border that will help contain the apple filling.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny finish during baking.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the apple edges are slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking.
- Pastry Perfection: Allow your puff pastry to thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes to prevent cracking and ensure easy handling.
- Slice Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even apple slices, which will help the tart cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Don't Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the pastry edges with beaten egg gives your tart that stunning golden-brown, glossy finish.
- Serve Immediately: This tart is best enjoyed warm, ideally within an hour of baking when the pastry is still crisp and the apples are perfectly tender.
- Optional Enhancements: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate this already delicious dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
