Honey-Glazed Apple Rose Tarts: An Elegant French-Inspired Dessert

These stunning apple rose tarts combine the delicate artistry of French patisserie with the wholesome goodness of fresh apples. Dating back to Renaissance-era European pastry making, these visually striking treats have evolved from elaborate royal court desserts to beloved modern delicacies. I’ve perfected this healthier version using whole wheat puff pastry and natural honey sweetening, creating an impressive yet achievable masterpiece that’s perfect for special occasions or an elevated everyday treat.

Prep Time and Yields

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Baking: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 6 rose tarts

Ingredients

For the Tarts:

• 1 sheet whole wheat puff pastry (320g/11.3 oz), thawed
• 2 medium red apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Pink Lady)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey + extra for glazing
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60g) Greek yogurt
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• 3 cups (720ml) cold water (for soaking apples)

For the Honey Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) warm water

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add the juice of one lemon
2. Wash and halve the apples, removing the cores
3. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the apples paper-thin (about 1/16 inch)
4. Immediately submerge apple slices in the lemon water to prevent browning
5. Let soak for 5 minutes until pliable

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Lightly flour your work surface
3. Roll out the puff pastry sheet to approximately 12×15 inches
4. Cut into 6 equal strips, each about 2 inches wide

Step 3: Create the Honey-Cinnamon Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Mix until well combined
2. Set aside for brushing

Step 4: Assemble the Roses

1. Drain apple slices and pat dry gently with paper towels
2. Spread a thin layer of Greek yogurt along each pastry strip
3. Arrange apple slices along the upper half of each strip, overlapping slightly
4. Allow the rounded edges to extend just beyond the pastry
5. Brush apple slices with honey-cinnamon mixture
6. Carefully fold up the bottom half of the pastry to enclose the straight edges of the apples
7. Starting from one end, gently roll up each strip to create a rose shape
8. Place each rose in a greased muffin tin cup

Step 5: Baking and Finishing

1. Brush the tops with additional honey-cinnamon mixture
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry is golden brown
3. Check at 15 minutes – if browning too quickly, cover with foil
4. Remove from oven and let cool in tin for 5 minutes
5. Transfer to wire rack
6. Brush with warm honey glaze while still warm

Storage and Serving

• Best served same day while pastry is crisp
• Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to recrisp

Nutrition Information

Per tart:

• Calories: 245
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 140mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 4g

Pro Tips

1. Keep pastry cold until ready to use
2. Slice apples as thinly as possible for easy rolling
3. Don’t skip the lemon water soak – it prevents browning and softens apples
4. If pastry becomes too warm while working, refrigerate for 10 minutes
5. Ensure muffin tin is well-greased to prevent sticking

These elegant apple rose tarts combine visual appeal with delightful texture and taste. The whole wheat pastry adds nutrition while maintaining the classic flakiness, while honey provides natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tender apple slices.