Simple Apple Puff Pastry Recipe
This Simple Apple Puff Pastry recipe combines flaky, golden puff pastry with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices for an easy and elegant dessert. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these individual apple tarts are perfect for a quick treat or special occasion.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual tarts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Apple Filling
- 2 firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Additional
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Apples: Peel the apples and thinly slice them into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly when baked.
- Cut and Score Pastry: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheet into squares of desired size and lightly score a 1/4 inch border on each square. This scoring helps the edges puff up distinctively during baking.
- Layer Apples: Arrange the thin apple slices neatly in the center of each pastry square, creating an even layer of fruit.
- Add Sugar and Spice: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the apples to add sweetness and flavor.
- Dot with Butter: Place small pieces of unsalted butter on top of the apple slices to enrich the filling and help it caramelize while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg thoroughly and brush it along the edges of the pastry squares to give them a golden and shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastry squares on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tarts to cool slightly on a wire rack. Optionally, dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an attractive and sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before cutting and baking to avoid cracking.
- For a more pronounced spice flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon.
- These tarts can be served warm or at room temperature and pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Keywords: apple tart, puff pastry dessert, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apple pastry, quick fruit tart