Effortless Elegance: The Ultimate Puff Pastry Apple Tart Recipe with Spiced Frangipane

Searching for a dessert that’s both stunning and incredibly simple? Look no further than this magnificent Puff Pastry Apple Tart. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute holiday gatherings, weeknight treats, or any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade charm without the fuss.

This exquisite tart combines layers of aromatic spiced frangipane, delicately thin slices of sweet Honeycrisp apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, all nestled on a bed of golden, flaky puff pastry. What makes it truly remarkable is how effortlessly it comes together – you can have this elegant dessert ready to impress your guests in less than an hour.

Our recipe ingeniously leverages convenient store-bought frozen puff pastry, making gourmet baking accessible to everyone. The resulting flavors are wonderfully reminiscent of a classic pear frangipane tart, yet the preparation is dramatically simplified, cutting down on effort without compromising on taste or presentation.

To elevate this delightful tart even further, consider serving it warm with a generous drizzle of homemade salted bourbon caramel sauce. This decadent addition perfectly complements the apples and spices, transforming an already delicious dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.

• 

• 

Why This Puff Pastry Apple Tart Will Be Your New Favorite

This simple yet sophisticated dessert isn’t just easy to make; it’s a delightful experience from start to finish. Here’s why you’ll adore adding this apple tart to your baking repertoire:

• Unbeatable Prep and Time-Friendly: Forget long hours of baking and complex pastry work! Utilizing readily available store-bought frozen puff pastry allows you to effortlessly assemble and bake this gorgeous, flaky apple tart in an impressive less than an hour. You’ll only need two medium-sized apples, and there’s no tedious peeling required, saving you precious time. This tart offers a fantastic and simple alternative to a traditional apple pie, yet it delivers an equally rich and satisfying flavor profile that will delight everyone.
• Elegantly Rustic Presentation: With its golden, flaky crust, beautifully arranged sweet and juicy apple slices, and a hidden layer of spiced frangipane, this tart boasts an aesthetic that is both elegant and charmingly rustic. It has that irresistible artisan bakery appeal, looking like it just came from a quaint French patisserie. It’s guaranteed to be a showstopper on any dessert table, making it perfect for special occasions or simply elevating an ordinary weeknight meal.
• Perfectly Festive for Any Season: While this versatile tart is delicious enough to be enjoyed all year round, the crisp Honeycrisp apples, warm spices like cinnamon, and inviting golden hues make it particularly well-suited for the autumn and winter holidays. Imagine serving it proudly on your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, or as a sophisticated centerpiece for a festive brunch. Its comforting flavors embody the spirit of the season, creating warmth and joy with every bite.
• Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor: Despite its sophisticated taste, this tart relies on a handful of accessible ingredients. The combination of buttery puff pastry, almond-infused frangipane, and crisp apples creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is both comforting and gourmet.

Puff Pastry Apple Tart Assembly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this stunning apple tart is much simpler than it looks! Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a perfectly flaky and flavorful dessert. For more detailed, printable instructions and step-by-step photos, please refer to the full recipe card below.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 400°F (205°C) and position an oven rack in the center. This ensures even baking and a beautifully golden crust. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Set it aside for now.
2. Handle and Roll the Puff Pastry: Carefully unroll or unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured work surface or a fresh sheet of parchment paper. The key here is gentle handling to maintain the pastry’s delicate layers. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, gently roll the dough into a uniform 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) rectangle. Precision here helps with an attractive final tart. Once rolled, carefully transfer the dough to your prepared parchment-lined sheet pan. Using a fork, gently prick (or “dock”) the entire inner portion of the dough, making sure to leave a distinct one-inch border untouched on all sides. This docking prevents the center from puffing up excessively, ensuring a flat base for your frangipane and apples.

• 

• 

3. Evenly Spread the Frangipane: Remove the chilled puff pastry from the fridge. Dollop spoonfuls of the prepared frangipane mixture evenly across the inner, docked surface of the dough, making sure to maintain that distinct 1-inch border on all sides. Using an offset spatula (or the back of a spoon), gently spread the frangipane into a very thin, smooth, and even layer. Ensure it’s spread right up to the edge of the border but doesn’t spill over.
4. Artfully Layer the Apples: Now for the star of the show! Carefully arrange your thinly sliced apple pieces onto the frangipane filling. For a visually appealing tart, arrange them lengthwise into two neat rows, alternating the direction of the slices in each row. Each slice should slightly overlap the one next to it, creating a beautiful pattern that will emerge as the tart bakes.

5. Finish with Cinnamon Sugar and Butter: Once the apples are arranged, generously sprinkle the entire apple-covered surface evenly with your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. This adds a beautiful sheen and a burst of warm spice. Next, dot the apples with tiny pieces of cold unsalted butter; these small pats will melt as the tart bakes, creating a rich, caramelized finish. Finally, using a pastry brush (or your fingertips if you’re careful), lightly brush the exposed puff pastry border edges with the egg wash. This egg wash will give the crust a beautiful golden color and a lovely sheen. Be mindful not to let any egg wash drip down the sides of the pastry, as this can inhibit its ability to rise and create those signature flaky layers.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection and Serve: Carefully transfer your assembled tart to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry crust is wonderfully puffed up, deeply golden brown, and the apples are tender. For even baking, it’s a good practice to rotate the sheet pan halfway through, around the 10-12 minute mark. Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and carefully transfer it, still on the parchment paper, to a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the tart to set slightly. Then, slice it into elegant squares or rectangles and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a luscious drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce.

Smart Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Baking

Preparing this Puff Pastry Apple Tart for a busy holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas? While it comes together quickly, you can streamline the process even further by preparing several components in advance. These tips ensure a fresh, delicious tart without the last-minute rush.

• Prepare the Frangipane Filling Ahead: The rich, almond-flavored frangipane can be made 1 to 2 days prior to baking. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Important Note: Before you plan to use it, remember to allow the frangipane to come to room temperature. This crucial step might take an hour or even longer, depending on your kitchen’s temperature. The frangipane needs to be soft, fluffy, and easily spreadable. If it’s too thick or cold, it will be difficult to spread evenly and could tear the delicate puff pastry dough.
• Pre-Roll and Dock the Dough: You can prepare your puff pastry sheet by rolling it out and docking it the night before or the morning of baking. Place the rolled and docked pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover its surface tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, then refrigerate until you are ready to assemble and bake the tart. This small step saves significant time on baking day.
• Mix the Cinnamon Sugar in Advance: The simple yet essential cinnamon sugar mixture can be prepared up to a week in advance. Store it in a covered container at room temperature, ready to sprinkle over your apples for that perfect finishing touch.

• 

• 

How to Serve This Delightful Apple Tart

This puff pastry apple tart is truly fabulous when served warm, allowing its flavors and aromas to fully blossom. To create an unforgettable dessert experience, consider topping each slice with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a delicate drizzle of crème anglaise, or a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

We highly recommend preparing a batch of homemade salted bourbon caramel sauce for drizzling. The exquisite balance of sweet and salty in the caramel sauce perfectly complements the tender apples, warm spices, and rich frangipane. It elevates this dessert to another level of indulgence and sophistication – seriously, don’t skip it! A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also add a final touch of elegance.