Quick Apple Tart Recipe

Picture this: a lazy afternoon, a cozy kitchen, and the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon mingling with buttery puff pastry filling the air. Let me tell you about the quick apple tart that’s about to become your new go-to treat for any moment that calls for a touch of sweetness.

I adore the way my Quick Apple Tart comes together so swiftly, making it an excellent dessert choice for those with a passion for sweet, uncomplicated confections. By employing a sheet of puff pastry and a few fresh apples, this luscious dessert achieves a perfect harmony of sweet and tart.

The cinnamon provides a lovely warm note, and the apricot glaze not only gives the tart a lovely sheen but also ramps up the flavor. I think this recipe is a winner for those who want a dessert that’s quick, but still very satisfying.

Ingredients

–

• Puff Pastry: Light and flaky, provides a buttery base.
• Apples: A healthy source of fiber and natural sweetness.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the apples.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor and prevents browning.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
• Butter: Enhances flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
• Apricot Jam/Honey: Optional glaze adds shine and extra sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon apricot jam or honey (optional, for glazing)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up while you prepare the next steps. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step is important because it will ensure that your salmon will not stick to the baking sheet and, therefore, will not stick to your dish as you serve it. Also, this step will cut down on cleanup time. Now it is time to prepare the salmon.

2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a surface lightly dusted with flour to remove any creases. Then, position the sheet on the baking pan you’ve set up with parchment paper.

3. In a big bowl, mix the apple wedges with the juice of one lemon, a few tablespoons of sugar, and a couple of teaspoons of ground cinnamon until everything is well combined and the apples are evenly coated.

4. On top of the puff pastry, arrange the apple slices in a neat, overlapping pattern. Leave about a 1-inch border around the edges.

5. Baste the apples and the folded edges of the pastry with the melted butter.

6. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook uninterrupted for 20-25 minutes. You want to see the pastry puff up and take on a lovely golden hue. Check to see that the apples are done, too. They should be tender enough that you could easily slice them with a butter knife. If the apples aren’t tender yet but the pastry is reaching that golden state, cover the pastry with foil to keep it from over-browning.

7. Take the tart out of the oven. If you are using apricot jam or honey, warm it slightly and use it to brush over the apples so that they are glazed.

8. Let the tart cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving it to a wire rack or serving platter.

9. Cut the tart into squares or pieces and serve it warm or at room temperature.

10. Savor the simple pleasure of this quick apple tart as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin (optional, for prepping puff pastry)
5. Flour sifter or shaker (for dusting flour)
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. Knife or apple slicer
10. Pastry brush
11. Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for warming glaze)
12. Wire rack (optional, for cooling)
13. Cutting board
14. Serving platter or plate

FAQ

• Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?Indeed, the key is to ensure that it is thawed properly. Follow the package instructions to the letter. Only then will you be able to unreservedly recommend it as a reliable ingredient.
• What type of apples work best for this tart?Apples that are firm and tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, are ideal for baking because they hold their shape.
• How do I prevent the apples from browning?Immediately after you slice the apple, toss the slices with lemon juice. This keeps them from browning.
• Is the apricot jam or honey necessary?No, it’s not required. But using it to glaze imparts a beautiful luster and an extra kick of flavor.
• Can I add more spices to the recipe?Indeed, if desired, a tiny bit of nutmeg or a drop of vanilla extract can boost the flavor.
• What if I don’t have unsalted butter?Using salted butter is fine, but reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
• How do I store leftovers?Any remaining food should be stored in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

Quick Apple Tart Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Puff Pastry
Use phyllo dough or a homemade pie pastry instead.
Apples
Use pears or peaches for a different flavor.
Granulated Sugar
Use brown sugar or coconut sugar instead.
Lemon Juice
Lime juice or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Unsalted Butter
Use margarine or coconut oil instead.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Pastry for Crispiness Before assembling the tart, chill the thawed puff pastry in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes after unfolding it. This helps solidify the butter layers in the pastry, promoting better puffing and crispiness during baking.

2. Prevent Soggy Bottoms Sprinkle a light layer of semolina or fine breadcrumbs on the pastry before laying down the apples. This helps absorb excess moisture from the apples and keeps the pastry base crisp.

3. Enhance Flavor with Seasoned Butter Mix a pinch of salt and a dash of vanilla extract into the melted butter before basting. The salt enhances sweetness and the vanilla adds depth to the flavors in your tart.

4. Brandy or Rum Soak for Apples For an adult twist, soak apple slices in a tablespoon of brandy or rum for 10 minutes before mixing with sugar, lemon, and cinnamon. This adds a subtle, sophisticated flavor to the tart.

5. Test for Doneness with a Toothpick To ensure the apples are perfectly tender, insert a toothpick into one of the thicker apple slices. It should go through easily with slight resistance, indicating the apples are cooked just right.