Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tarts

As I stand in my kitchen, the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the air, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with baking in the first place. These Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tarts are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of simplicity, elegance, and the timeless combination of apples and cinnamon.

The history of apple pastries dates back centuries, with variations found in cuisines across the globe. From the classic French tarte tatin to the All-American apple pie, the combination of apples and pastry has stood the test of time. This recipe, however, puts a modern spin on tradition, using convenient puff pastry to create individual tarts that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For these delightful Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tarts, you’ll need:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (approximately 320g / 11 oz)
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
• 2 tbsp (30g) butter, melted
• 2 tbsp (25g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp (5g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp (1g) nutmeg
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown, flaky puff pastry. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 6 equal squares. The size of your squares will depend on the brand of puff pastry you’re using, but they should be approximately 4×4 inches (10×10 cm). Place these squares on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This aromatic mixture will be the flavor powerhouse of our tarts, infusing them with warmth and sweetness. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg is classic, but feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
4. Now, it’s time to prepare our apples. I recommend using a crisp, tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Slice your apples thinly – aim for about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they’ll cook and the easier it will be to fold your pastry.
5. Place a few overlapping apple slices in the center of each pastry square, arranging them in a fan pattern for visual appeal. Don’t overcrowd the pastry; remember, we’ll be folding the edges over.
6. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the melted butter over the apple slices. This will not only add richness but also help the sugar mixture adhere to the apples.
7. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered apples. Don’t be shy – this is where much of our flavor comes from!
8. Now for the fun part: shaping our tarts. Take each corner of a pastry square and fold it towards the center, over the edges of the apple slices. Gently press down on the points where the pastry overlaps to help it stick. The center of the tart should remain open, showcasing the beautiful apple slices.
9. Once all your tarts are shaped, it’s time for the egg wash. Beat an egg in a small bowl and, using a clean pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed pastry with the beaten egg. This will give our tarts a beautiful golden sheen as they bake.
10. Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them after the 15-minute mark – you’re looking for a deep golden-brown color on the pastry and slightly caramelized edges on the apples.
11. Once baked to perfection, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the pastry to set and makes the tarts easier to handle.
12. Just before serving, dust the tarts lightly with powdered sugar. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives them a beautiful, professional finish.

Nutrition Information

This recipe yields 6 servings. Per serving:

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 140mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Please note that these are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tarts

To ensure your Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tarts turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:

1. Pastry Temperature: Ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when you work with it. This helps achieve the best rise and flakiness.
2. Apple Selection: While I suggested Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties or even a mix for complex flavors.
3. Slice Thickness: Consistency in apple slice thickness is key for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform slices.
4. Prevent Soggy Bottoms: If your apples are particularly juicy, consider tossing them with a bit of flour before arranging them on the pastry. This will help absorb excess moisture during baking.
5. Flavor Variations: Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a few raisins, or a drizzle of caramel sauce before folding the pastry for exciting flavor twists.
6. Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble these tarts and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
7. Serving Suggestions: While delicious on their own, these tarts are heavenly when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
8. Storage: These tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to recrisp the pastry.

These Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tarts are more than just a dessert – they’re a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The flaky, buttery puff pastry provides a delicate canvas for the sweet-tart apples and warming spices, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re serving these at a dinner party, enjoying them as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea, or surprising your family with a special breakfast, these tarts are sure to impress. They embody the essence of home baking – transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special.

So, preheat that oven, roll out your pastry, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon. These Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tarts aren’t just a recipe – they’re an experience, a moment of pure indulgence that you can create in your own kitchen. Enjoy every flaky, fruity bite!