Crisp, buttery puff pastry topped with creamy almond filling and thinly sliced apples - these Puff Pastry Apple Tarts are so simple and delicious. The sweet almond cream (frangipane) puffs up beautifully under caramelized apples, creating a bakery-style dessert that looks impressive but takes only minutes to prepare.
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These apple puff pastry tarts are perfect for when you want a quick yet stunning dessert using store-bought puff pastry. The frangipane adds richness and flavor, while the apples bring freshness and a touch of tartness. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a beautiful fall or holiday treat.
For more quick and easy desserts, check out also this 5-Minute Easy Nutella Dessert or if you want more apple desserts, try this Easy Italian Apple Cake.
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🧾 Ingredients
- Puff Pastry - Use all-butter puff pastry for the best flaky texture. Thaw it according to package instructions before use.
- Frangipane - Made with butter, sugar, almond meal, egg, and extracts. You can follow my full Quick Frangipane recipe for the filling.
- Apples - Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp that hold their shape while baking.
- Sugar - Sprinkle lightly over the apples for caramelization.
- Butter - Brushed over the apples to enhance browning and flavor.
- Apricot Jam - Warmed and brushed over baked tarts for a glossy finish.
- Powdered Sugar - Optional, but adds a pretty bakery-style touch.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🍳 Substitutions
- Puff Pastry → Use homemade rough puff or shortcrust pastry if preferred.
- Frangipane → Replace with pastry cream, ricotta cream, or hazelnut spread for variation.
- Apples → Try pears, plums, or peaches for a seasonal twist.
- Apricot Jam → Use honey or maple syrup for glazing instead.
🥣 Variations
- Rustic Galette Style - Skip cutting the pastry into squares and make one large round tart with folded edges.
- Mini Tartlets - Cut puff pastry into smaller rounds or rectangles for individual desserts.
- Cinnamon Apple Tarts - Add a sprinkle of cinnamon over the apples before baking.
- Almond Pear Tarts - Substitute apples with thinly sliced pears for a classic French-inspired flavor.
📋 Instructions with Photos
Step 1. Make the frangipane cream by mixing all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2. Cut the apple slices thinly and cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles.
Step 3. Fold the edges and spread the almond filling in the center.
Step 4. Add the apple slices on top and brush with melted butter, then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve these tarts slightly warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or brushed with warm apricot jam for a shiny finish. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy them as a cozy dessert or an elegant brunch pastry with coffee or tea.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftover tarts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the pastry.
Freezer: You can freeze unbaked tarts for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can assemble them up to 4 hours ahead and keep them in the fridge before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
No, peeling is optional. Keeping the peel adds color and a rustic look.
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge and work quickly so it stays cold.
⭐ Top tip
Score a small border around each puff pastry tart before baking. This allows the edges to rise and puff beautifully while keeping the filling and apples neatly in the center.
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📖 RECIPE
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into 4-6 equal rectangles. Score a ½-inch (1 cm) border around each tart without cutting all the way through.
- Spread about 1-2 tablespoon of almond cream inside each border.
- Arrange thin apple slices over the frangipane in a fan pattern. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sugar and cinnamon.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- While still warm, brush with warmed apricot jam for shine. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold while assembling for the best rise and flakiness.
- You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for variation.
- You can use store-bought frangipane or subsitute it with custard, pastry cream, jam, Nutella, or Ricotta cheese.
- These tarts are best served fresh, slightly warm, right out of the oven.
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