An apple tarte is a classic French dessert, with some versions reaching exquisite levels of delicacy. Traditionally, it can be made with a buttery pâte brisée or enriched with cream, with apples sliced paper-thin. This version, however, is delightfully simple — so easy that even kids can make it.
Puff pastry — Dafour brand recommended
6-7 Granny Smith apples
Unsalted butter — about 1 1/2 tablespoons
Organic sugar — about a tablespoon
Apricot jam — about a 1/4 cup
Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Place the puff pastry on the parchment paper. When I use the Dafour brand, I push the puff pastry out a bit to extend it and make it thinner.
Peel, core, and slice the apples. I use an apple slicer to slice the apple, then use a knife to cut the apple slice in half or thirds.
Lay the apple slices on the puff pastry. See the photos below.
Cut small pieces of butter and lay them on the top of the apple slices.
Sprinkle with the sugar.
Bake at 375° F until the apples are soft and browned and the pastry is cooked, about 35 - 40 minutes.
Warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan with 1-2 tablespoons of water. Heat until melted.
Use a pastry brush to glaze the tart by brushing the apricot jam on top.
Serve for breakfast, after-school snacks, dessert with vanilla gelato, packed in school lunch, or as a wholesome treat for kids' school parties.
The apple tarte also freezes well. Slice it and pack it in foil and then in freezer baggies or any other freezer container.
When I’m in a rush, I warm the apricot jam just enough to make it brushable without fully melting it. This leaves bits of apricot in the glaze—not as smooth or glossy, but just as delicious!
I also wanted to share this photo below of one that accidentally cooked too long and got a little burned. While it wasn’t the most beautiful, it was caramelized and incredibly tasty. I share this as a reminder when things don’t turn out as expected, they can still surprise us and still be delicious! A dollop of vanilla gelato or homemade whipped cream will add the perfect touch.
