Deserts

Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry

Name: Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry; 3 medium apples; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup caramel sauce; Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Servings: 8 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry is a show-stopping yet simple dessert that celebrates the classic pairing of apples and caramel. With layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry, tender spiced apples, and a drizzle of golden caramel, this tart is as elegant as it is comforting. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—store-bought puff pastry does most of the work, while fresh apples and caramel sauce bring homemade charm.

This dessert is perfect for fall and holiday gatherings but is versatile enough to serve year-round. It looks impressive but requires minimal effort, making it one of those recipes that makes you look like a pastry chef without the stress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines all my favorite dessert elements: crisp, buttery pastry, warm spiced fruit, and sweet, velvety caramel. The puff pastry bakes up golden and flaky, creating the perfect base for juicy apples that soften but still hold their shape. A drizzle of caramel ties everything together with a rich, indulgent finish.

It’s also a recipe that feels adaptable—you can serve it rustic-style in big slices with ice cream, or cut it into neat squares for a refined dessert tray. Plus, the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and pastry baking in the oven makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Effortless elegance – puff pastry saves time while looking bakery-worthy.
Seasonal charm – perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
Versatile – serve warm or cold, casual or fancy.
Crowd-pleaser – universally loved flavor combination of apples + caramel.
Make-ahead friendly – can be assembled ahead and baked when ready.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories (per serving): ~320 kcal
Cuisine: French-inspired / American
Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Tart:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, from a 14 oz package)
3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For Serving:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Quick Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Roll puff pastry slightly larger and place on baking sheet. Score edges to create a border.
Toss apple slices with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Arrange apples neatly inside pastry border. Brush with melted butter.
Bake 25–30 minutes until pastry is golden and apples are tender.
Drizzle with caramel and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions.
Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Score a ½-inch border around edges with a sharp knife (don’t cut through).

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice apples thinly.
In a bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Arrange apple slices inside the scored border, slightly overlapping.
Brush apples and edges of pastry with melted butter.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown, and apples are tender.

Step 5: Finish with Caramel

Let tart cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

How to Serve

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter option.
Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Additional Tips

Use firm apples (like Granny Smith) so they hold shape when baked.
Don’t overload the tart—too many apple slices will make it soggy.
Brush pastry edges with an egg wash for a shinier golden crust.
Homemade caramel sauce elevates the tart, but store-bought works well in a pinch.

Variations

Apple-Pear Tart: Replace half the apples with pears.
Salted Caramel Tart: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-salty twist.
Nutty Apple Tart: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over apples before baking.
Mini Tarts: Cut puff pastry into smaller rectangles for individual servings.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezing: Bake tart, cool completely, and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or mandoline (for slicing apples evenly)
Pastry brush

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry is an effortless dessert that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. With its flaky pastry base, spiced apple filling, and luscious caramel drizzle, it’s the perfect balance of rustic charm and elegant presentation. Whether for a holiday table, a dinner party, or a cozy night at home, this tart is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

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