Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry

Introduction

Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry is a stunning yet simple dessert that looks straight out of a French bakery but can be made effortlessly at home. Flaky, buttery puff pastry is topped with thinly sliced apples, brushed with a caramel glaze, and baked until golden and glossy. Each bite is a delightful balance of crisp pastry, tender apples, and rich caramel — elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough for a weeknight treat.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it takes humble ingredients — apples, caramel, and puff pastry — and turns them into something truly sophisticated. The puff pastry gives that irresistible crispy, buttery base, while the apples soften beautifully in the oven, releasing their natural sweetness. The caramel glaze is the final magic touch, making the tart taste indulgent and look impressive.

Another reason I adore this tart is its versatility — it’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or even a cozy family dessert. You can serve it warm with ice cream, cold as a pastry snack, or drizzle extra caramel over the top for a decadent finish. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Easy Elegance: Looks like fine pastry but is very simple to make.
• Perfect for Entertaining: A showstopper dessert with minimal effort.
• Seasonal & Cozy: Apples and caramel are a timeless autumn flavor duo.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great warm, chilled, or with ice cream.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 slices
• Calories: ~320–350 per serving (without ice cream)
• Cuisine: French-inspired / American
• Course: Dessert, Tea-time Pastry

Ingredients

For the Tart:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 9×9 inches)
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, if apples are very tart)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Caramel Glaze:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Roll out puff pastry and place on a lined baking sheet.
2. Arrange apple slices over the pastry.
3. Make caramel sauce by melting sugar, adding butter, then cream.
4. Brush some caramel over apples, bake until golden.
5. Drizzle more caramel over tart before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out puff pastry slightly to smooth edges and transfer to sheet.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and thinly slice apples.
• Toss with lemon juice (and cinnamon/sugar if using).

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and golden.
2. Add butter and whisk until combined.
3. Slowly pour in cream (mixture will bubble), whisk until smooth.
4. Add a pinch of salt and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

• Arrange apple slices neatly over puff pastry, slightly overlapping in rows or a spiral.
• Brush lightly with some caramel sauce.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 25–30 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
• Remove from oven and cool slightly.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

• Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over tart.
• Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

• Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• For a light option, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Perfect with coffee, tea, or mulled cider.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use firm apples (like Granny Smith) for best results. Softer apples can turn mushy.
• If puff pastry puffs unevenly, prick the center lightly with a fork before adding apples.
• Make caramel ahead of time and rewarm before using.
• Add a splash of vanilla or bourbon to caramel for extra depth.

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over apples before baking.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add thin slices of brie or cheddar under the apples for a savory-sweet version.
• Shortcut Version: Use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade.
• Mini Tarts: Cut puff pastry into small squares and make individual tarts.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) to crisp up pastry.
• Freezing: Best not to freeze once baked (pastry softens), but you can freeze assembled unbaked tart (without caramel) for 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes.
• Caramel sauce can be refrigerated in a jar for up to 2 weeks.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet lined with parchment
• Saucepan for caramel
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer (for thin apple slices)
• Pastry brush

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry is a showstopping dessert that blends elegance with ease. The flaky puff pastry, tender apples, and rich caramel sauce create a flavor combination that’s timeless and irresistible. Whether served for a special dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy family treat, this tart guarantees compliments and empty plates. Quick, versatile, and utterly delicious — it’s a dessert you’ll make again and again.

Print Recipe

Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry

Author: Emily Clark Cuisine: American Courses: Deserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 350 per serving

Description

Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry is a stunning yet simple dessert that looks straight out of a French bakery but can be made effortlessly at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Tart:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 9x9 inches)
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, if apples are very tart)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Caramel Glaze:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out puff pastry slightly to smooth edges and transfer to sheet.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Apples : Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Toss with lemon juice (and cinnamon/sugar if using).
3. Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce : Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and golden. Add butter and whisk until combined. Slowly pour in cream (mixture will bubble), whisk until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and set aside.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Tart : Arrange apple slices neatly over puff pastry, slightly overlapping in rows or a spiral. Brush lightly with some caramel sauce.
5. Step 5: Bake : Bake for 25–30 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
6. Step 6: Finish & Serve : Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over tart. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Tart with Puff Pastry