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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
