French Apple Tart with Fig Preserves Recipe

Introduction

French Apple Tart is a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights tender apples baked on a flaky puff pastry crust. With a hint of lemon and a glossy fig preserve finish, this tart is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 1/2 large crisp apples, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup fig preserves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a large sheet of parchment paper over a baking sheet. Unroll your puff pastry sheet onto the parchment paper. If using homemade pastry, roll it out to approximately 10 1/2″ by 15 1/2″. Use a fork to pierce the pastry all over.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, gently toss the apple slices with lemon juice and brown sugar, being careful not to bruise the apples.
3. Step 3: Arrange the apple slices on the puff pastry, overlapping them slightly. You can layer them diagonally or straight down according to your preference.
4. Step 4: Bake for about 40 minutes, until the edges of the apples and puff pastry turn golden brown. Some apple juices may seep onto the parchment and brown—this is normal.
5. Step 5: Remove the tart from the oven and carefully loosen it from the baking sheet using a metal spatula. Transfer the tart to a serving plate.
6. Step 6: Warm the fig preserves in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Brush the preserves evenly over the tart using a pastry brush. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
• For added texture, sprinkle a little cinnamon or chopped nuts over the apples before baking.
• If fig preserves aren’t available, apricot jam makes a delicious alternative glaze.

Storage

Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to restore flakiness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just thaw it according to package instructions before using.

How thinly should I slice the apples?

Slice the apples as thin as possible, ideally about 1/8 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly and layer beautifully on the tart.

French Apple Tart with Fig Preserves Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic French Apple Tart combines crisp puff pastry with thinly sliced, tender apples, gently sweetened with brown sugar and lemon juice. Topped with a shiny glaze of warmed fig preserves, this tart is an elegant yet simple dessert perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of buttery, sweet, and fruity flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (rolled out to 10 1/2″ by 15 1/2″)

Apple Layer

• 1 1/2 large crisp apples, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 3/4 cup brown sugar

Glaze

• 1/4 cup fig preserves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto the parchment, or roll out your homemade puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to 10 1/2″ by 15 1/2″. Use a fork to pierce the pastry all over to prevent it from puffing unevenly during baking.
2. Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, gently toss the thinly sliced peeled apples with lemon juice and brown sugar, ensuring each slice is lightly coated without bruising the fruit.
3. Assemble the tart: Arrange the apple slices over the puff pastry in your preferred pattern—either diagonally or straight rows—overlapping slightly to cover the surface evenly.
4. Bake the tart: Place the tart on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes. Watch for golden brown edges on both apples and puff pastry. Allow some of the apple juices to caramelize but do not worry if they burn slightly on the parchment, as this adds flavor.
5. Glaze and serve: Carefully loosen the tart from the pan using a metal spatula and transfer it to a serving plate. Warm the fig preserves in the microwave for about 30 seconds until runny. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the top of the warm tart with the fig preserves. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

• Use a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture that holds during baking.
• If fig preserves are unavailable, apricot preserves or any light fruit jam can be used as a glaze alternative.
• To make the puff pastry from scratch, ensure it is well-chilled before rolling.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
• For a more caramelized effect, you can sprinkle additional sugar on the apples before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Keywords: French apple tart, puff pastry dessert, apple tart recipe, easy fruit tart, baked apple dessert, fig glaze tart