Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tarts: Flaky, Creamy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Prepare to be amazed by these incredible Puff Pastry Apple Tarts. They feature a golden, flaky puff pastry base, generously coated with a luscious cream cheese filling infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Tart, thinly sliced apples are artfully arranged on top, then baked to perfection, and finished with a delicate cream cheese and sour cream drizzle. While these tarts boast a sophisticated appearance, they are surprisingly simple to create, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
There’s something truly magical about autumn – the crisp air, the vibrant colors, and the comforting aromas of spiced baking that fill the kitchen. This season truly captures my heart, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this brand-new apple tart recipe with you. Perfectly suited for an elegant autumn brunch or a cozy evening dessert, these apple tarts with puff pastry are delightful any time of the year. But don’t wait for a special event to whip up these beauties! They come together so quickly, offering instant satisfaction whenever you crave a sweet, flaky apple pastry. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these easy puff pastry apple tarts are your ticket to a truly memorable dessert experience.
Why These Apple Tarts Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert
With apple season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to indulge in another fantastic apple recipe. These apple tarts are a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly decadent dessert without feeling overly heavy. We’ve gone all out in this easy dessert, layering crisp puff pastry with thinly sliced apples. The apples are then generously covered with a sweetened, spiced cream cheese mixture, and finally drizzled with a rich combination of cream cheese and sour cream. The tartness of the apples beautifully cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. This recipe showcases the versatility of apples, turning them into a sophisticated treat that’s as impressive to look at as it is to eat.
Mastering Apple Tarts With Puff Pastry
One of the best aspects of these apple tarts with puff pastry is their convenient preparation. While you can easily assemble them a day in advance, for the absolute best taste and that coveted perfect flaky crust, I highly recommend baking them closer to serving time. The fresh-from-the-oven warmth and crispness of the pastry are truly unparalleled. If you happen to have any leftovers, a quick pop back in the oven will help to crisp up the crust again, as the natural moisture from the apples can sometimes make it a touch soggy over time. And let’s be honest, who can resist a warm apple tart? These easy apple tarts with puff pastry are designed for maximum enjoyment, emphasizing freshness and a delightful texture.
If you find yourself loving these apple tarts with puff pastry, you’re sure to enjoy other apple-centric delights. Consider trying our Apple Pie Crumb Bars, the innovative Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls, or the rustic charm of this Apple Crostata. Each offers a unique way to savor the deliciousness of apples.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Puff Pastry Apple Tarts
Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea, gathering with family, or simply need to use up a bountiful harvest after a day of apple picking, there’s truly no occasion that doesn’t call for freshly baked puff pastry apple tarts. Their elegant appearance makes them suitable for formal gatherings, while their comforting flavors make them perfect for casual treats. These apple tartlets are incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
When it comes to choosing apples, don’t overthink it! The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Any type of apple will work wonderfully, each bringing its own unique flavor profile. Granny Smith apples will lend a delightful tartness, Honeycrisp apples offer a crisp texture and balanced sweetness, and Golden Delicious apples provide a milder, sweeter note. Feel free to use whatever apples you happen to have on hand in your fridge or from your latest orchard visit.
Essential Ingredients for Your Puff Pastry Apple Tartlets
For the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the full printable recipe card. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make these puff pastry apple tartlets so special:
- Puff Pastry: One sheet of thawed puff pastry is the foundation of our perfectly flaky crust. You can opt for convenient store-bought puff pastry dough, or for an extra special touch, try making your own Homemade Puff Pastry. Ensuring it’s properly thawed is crucial for easy handling and optimal flakiness.
- Cream Cheese: A single 8-ounce block of full-fat cream cheese provides the rich, creamy base for our filling and drizzle. While full-fat is recommended for maximum flavor and texture, a low-fat variety can also be used. Remember to soften it to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are the quintessential warm spices that perfectly complement the apples, adding depth and a comforting aroma to the tarts. These spices truly elevate the flavor profile.
- Apples: You’ll need two larger apples, cored and cut into uniform ¼-inch slices. Leaving the skin on adds beautiful color, texture, and additional nutrients. Ensure slices are consistent for even cooking.
- Butter: Use two tablespoons of unsalted butter, sliced into ¼-inch pieces. While unsalted is generally preferred for baking, salted butter can also work; just be mindful of adjusting any added salt in the recipe if necessary. The butter helps the apples soften and caramelize slightly during baking.
- Pecans: A ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft apples and creamy filling.
- Sugar: Two tablespoons of white granulated sugar are used, divided between the apple topping and the drizzle, providing just the right touch of sweetness. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Sour Cream: A ¼ cup of full-fat sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt as a substitute, is blended into the reserved cream cheese mixture to create a smooth, tangy drizzle that perfectly finishes the apple tarts.
For an extra boost of autumnal flavor, consider skipping the individual spices and substituting them with my homemade apple pie spice blend — you will love the complex notes it adds!
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Recipe for Apple Tarts Using Puff Pastry
Making these delicious apple tarts with puff pastry is surprisingly simple, with just a few straightforward steps. You’ll love how easy it is to create such an impressive dessert!
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Whip the mixture together until it’s light, smooth, and fluffy. This creates the wonderfully spiced cream cheese base for your tarts.
Carefully unfold your sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the puff pastry into three equal rectangles. If your pastry sheet has natural folds, these often serve as convenient cutting guides. Gently transfer these rectangles to your prepared baking sheet.
Next, take ½ cup of your prepared cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over each of the three puff pastry rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges. Make sure to reserve the remaining cream cheese mixture for the delicious drizzle you’ll make later.
Artfully arrange the thinly sliced apples over the cream cheese mixture on each pastry rectangle, overlapping them slightly to create an appealing visual. Dot the top of the apples with the ¼-inch pieces of butter and then sprinkle generously with the chopped pecans. Finally, dust the entire surface with 1 tablespoon of sugar, which will help in caramelization and add a touch of sweetness.
Bake your apple tarts for 35-40 minutes, or until the apple slices are tender when pierced with a fork and the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown and puffed. Remove the tarts from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
While the tarts are cooling, return to your mixer. Add the remaining cream cheese mixture, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the bowl. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner drizzle, you can add a touch of milk, a teaspoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached. Drizzle this delightful topping generously over the warm, baked tarts.
Serve these exquisite puff pastry apple tarts warm to enjoy their full flavor and texture. Any leftovers will keep well for 2-3 days when covered or placed in an airtight container, though be aware that the pastry might lose some of its crispness due to the moisture from the apples. If you wish to freeze leftover apple tarts, they will generally hold up, but the texture of the puff pastry may be slightly altered upon thawing. To revive them, simply place the defrosted tarts back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry again.
Love it? Pin it!
If you adore this easy puff pastry apple tart recipe and want to keep it handy for future baking adventures, make sure to save it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Apple Tarts
- How long should puff pastry be cooked at 425°F (220°C)? The ideal cooking time for puff pastry varies significantly depending on what you’re making and the specific recipe. For these puff pastry apple tarts, we bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes. Always follow the precise instructions for the recipe you are preparing to ensure perfect results.
- Can you prepare puff pastry tarts ahead of time? To achieve the desired crisp and flaky texture, it’s best to bake puff pastry tarts just before you plan to serve them. However, you can certainly prep the tarts in advance – assemble them and store them in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to a day. Baking them too far in advance of serving is not recommended if you want that fresh, flaky experience.
- Can puff pastry be used for a tart base? Absolutely! Puff pastry makes an exceptional tart base, offering a wonderfully light and flaky foundation. This easy apple tart recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and effective puff pastry can be for tarts.
- What’s the best way to cut apples for tarts? For apple tarts, thin and uniform slices are key for even cooking and a beautiful presentation. In this recipe, we recommend cutting your apples into ¼-inch thin slices. A mandoline slicer can help achieve perfectly consistent slices, or a sharp knife and a steady hand will also work great.
- How do you prevent puff pastry from getting soggy? Preventing soggy puff pastry can be a challenge, especially with fruit fillings. Some bakers suggest pre-baking or “blind baking” the puff pastry crust before adding the filling, though I haven’t found it necessary for this specific recipe. Ensuring your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and baking until golden brown helps, and serving immediately after baking is always the best way to enjoy maximum crispness.
Creative Substitutions and Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! Remember that recipes are flexible, and substituting ingredients to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand can lead to wonderful new discoveries. Make these tarts truly your own!
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Alternate Crust: Instead of puff pastry, you can use a classic regular pie crust for a different, yet equally delicious, texture. This will result in a more traditional apple pie-like tart.
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Fruit Swap: While apples are the star, ripe pears can be a fantastic substitute. Their sweet, slightly floral notes pair wonderfully with cinnamon and nutmeg, offering a delightful twist on the classic apple tart.
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Mini Tartlets: To create individual apple tartlets, prepare the tarts in frozen tart shells. This makes for charming, ready-to-serve portions perfect for parties or desserts.
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Muffin Tin Magic: For even smaller, bite-sized treats, make mini apple tarts by pressing small squares of puff pastry into a muffin tray. Layer the cream cheese, apples, and toppings in each mini shell for delightful two-bite desserts.
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Spice It Up: Experiment with other warm spices like cardamom, allspice, or a pinch of ginger for different flavor profiles. You could also add a touch of orange zest for brightness.
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Nut Free Option: If you have nut allergies or preferences, simply omit the pecans or walnuts. The tarts will still be incredibly delicious!
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Tarts
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Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal mixing and a smooth cream cheese filling, ensure your butter and cream cheese are taken out of the fridge at least 30-60 minutes before you begin preparing the puff pastry apple tarts.
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Prevent Browning: If you’re preparing the apple tart ahead of time and won’t be baking it right away, lightly drizzle the sliced apples with a touch of lemon juice. This simple trick will prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown.
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Serving Enhancements: Elevate your warm apple tarts by serving them with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, a decadent drizzle of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce adds another layer of irresistible flavor.
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Puff Pastry Handling: Use a rolling pin to gently smooth out the puff pastry, especially if it’s been folded. However, be careful not to roll it out too thinly, as this can compromise its ability to puff up and create those wonderful flaky layers.
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Mixer Alternatives: If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works perfectly for whipping the cream cheese mixture until fluffy. For an even simpler approach, you can place the cream cheese ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth.
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Vanilla Boost: For an extra layer of flavor and sweetness in the cream cheese filling, mix in a touch of vanilla extract (about ½ teaspoon) along with the spices. It complements the apples and cream cheese beautifully.
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Adjust Drizzle Consistency: When making the cream cheese and sour cream drizzle, if it appears too thick, add a very small amount of milk (start with ½ teaspoon) and whisk until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
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Coconut Cream Pie
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Chocolate Meringue Pie
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French Silk Pie
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Spiced Peach Pie With Crumb Topping
This puff pastry apple tart recipe is truly decadent and bursting with delightful flavors, yet incredibly approachable for home bakers. You’ll be astonished at how effortlessly you can transform simple fresh apples into a stunning, fancy dessert perfect for a dinner party, or just a quick and satisfying sweet treat to enjoy any day. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and sweet-tart apples, it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection!
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Print Recipe
Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tarts Recipe
Equipment
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Offset Spatula , SIMEEGO Icing Spatula Set with 6 8 10 Inch Stainless Steel Blades
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry thawed
- 1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 apples larger apples cored and cut into ¼ “ slices, skin left on
- 2 Tablespoons butter sliced into ¼ “ pieces
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 Tablespoons sugar divided
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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With your mixer, whip cream cheese, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until fluffy.
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Unfold the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 rectangles (should work to cut at the folds) and place them on the baking sheet.
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Spread ½ cup of the cream cheese mixture over the puff pastry.
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Reserving the remaining for the drizzle.
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Cover with apple slices, overlapping to fit the slices on the puff pastry.
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Top with butter and pecans. Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon sugar.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the puff pastry is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes.
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Again, with your mixer, blend the remaining cream cheese mixture, 1 Tablespoon sugar, and sour cream until smooth. (add a little milk if necessary for desired consistency)
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Drizzle over tarts.
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Serve warm.
Notes
adapted from HyVee Supermarket recipe
Nutrition