Puff pastry has been all the hype for some time now and I’ve been wanting to make a yummy recipe with it. My mind obviously went to apple desserts, because yum, and this dessert is a breeze to bring together. It reminds me of my Apple Galette recipe and a much much easier version of making an entire apple pie. Photography: photos taken in this post are by Megan from The Broke Girl Table.
Puff pastry dough: obviously the foundation of this delicious tart! It’s known for its flaky, buttery layers and it serves as the crispy, golden-brown base that encases the apple filling. The layers puff up during baking, creating a delightful contrast in texture. I buy mine at my local grocery store from the freezer section, be sure to take it out of the freezer ~30 minutes prior to starting the recipe so it can defrost a bit. Apples: the star of the show in this dessert. They provide a natural sweetness that intensifies as they bake, while their tartness adds a pleasing contrast. I like to use honeycrisp and granny smith. Sugar: Sugar plays a crucial role in sweetening the apples and enhancing their flavor. It also contributes to the caramelization process, creating a golden-brown and slightly sticky surface on the apples. I like to use a combination of granulated white sugar and brown sugar. Lemon juice: helps prevent the apple slices from browning but it also adds a touch of acidity which balances the sweetness of the filling. Apricot jam or preserves: I like to use a little bit as a base on the pastry dough before the apples get layered on and as as a glaze to give the tart a shiny finish. Other ingredients used: cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, butter and an egg for the egg wash.
Apple and Berry: Combine sliced apples with berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a sweet and tart contrast. Apple and Pears: Combine apples with sliced pears for a dual fruit flavor that works beautifully together. Apple and Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts over the apples for added texture and flavor. Apple and Cream Cheese: instead of the apricot preserves, spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone cheese on the pastry before adding the apple slices. Apple and Bourbon: Spike the apple filling and the apricot preserves with a splash of bourbon for a sophisticated twist, also making this more like a French Apple Tart variation.
