Caramel apple tart is an easy autumn dessert, full of thinly sliced tart apples and baked inside of a puff pastry crust. (This post was originally published on September 15th, 2014. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
Store-bought puff pastry
This might be the easiest dessert ever. Well, maybe the second easiest. To make this apple tart, simply roll out thawed puff pastry, layer with thinly sliced apples, then bake. After the tart cools drizzled it with caramel, which gives this classic French dessert a decidedly American spin. While I had to make puff pastry in cooking school, it’s one of those recipes that is not for the faint of heart…enter frozen puff pastry. Just thaw, roll and bake.
Homemade Caramel or store bought?
Ditto the homemade caramel…it’s definitely not difficult to make, but you can purchase delicious caramel to keep this apple tart recipe extra simple. I like to use this rolling pin with no handles. I also use Silpat mats for baking. They are made in France, (not china) and they last forever!
If you call a caramel apple tart by its traditional French name, Tarte aux Pommes, it’ll sound like you slaved all day to make it.
Caramel Apple Tart
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Peel, core and thinly slice apples, toss with lemon juice to prevent discoloration,
- Roll out thawed puff pastry on a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle puff pastry lightly with sugar. Arrange thinly sliced apples on top of pastry. Turn up edges of pastry to encase apples. Brush apple slices with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, (remaining 3 Tablespoons sugar with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon).
- Bake at 400 degrees F. for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Heat apricot jam and water over low heat stirring until smooth and jam is thinned. Set aside.
- Remove tart from oven and brush with apricot jam. Cool. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Nutrition
I like the juxtaposition of the tart Granny Smith apples, plain puff pastry and caramel. The smallish, 4-bite, pieces make it a nice finish to a heavy Autumn supper. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream would be perfect too! Click here for Homemade Caramel Sauce.
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Del's cooking twist says
Your apple tart looks amazing, Cynthia! Apple and caramel are the perfect combo. Can’t wait to give it a try 🙂
marlee grandalski says
OMG…just made the Apple Tart…SO easy to make and SO delicious!!!! My kids are begging for more and it is not even dinner yet! Thank you Cynthia! BTW, one recommendation…in order to cut into nice square pieces, we used our Pizza cutter, works wonderfully!
Cynthia says
Oh, great Marlee! So glad! xo! Thanks for the tip on the pizza cutter!
Cynthia says
Thank you Del, it’s so easy!
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
Looks incredible!!
Cynthia says
Thank you Sandi!
Geez Louise! says
All things French are better with an American “spin”… I might try this with whole wheat filo crust. The apples are getting better as we get closer to Fall – mmmmm love apple pie!
Cynthia says
That would be awesome too Louise!
Simi Jois says
FABULOUS! I love this and will be making it this weekend. thanks so much for posting.
Cynthia says
Let me know how you like it Simi!Thanks!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I love puff pastry, it is so easy to use in may different recipes. This tart looks incredible, and perfect for fall!
Cynthia says
Erin, the best part is that it’s so quick and easy, but seems like you spent a lot of time on it!
Peabody (Culinary Concoctions by Peabody) says
Easy and looks delish! And any time caramel is involved sign me up. 🙂
Cynthia says
I agree Peabody! Anything with caramel tastes better!
Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines says
You’ve made my caramel loving heart very happy with this dessert. It’s so elegant and looks so delicious.
Cynthia says
Christiane, yes, it does look elegant, especially since it’s so easy.
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
This tart is beautiful and so easy to make.
Cynthia says
Meagan, it is super easy. It’s my go-to autumn dessert.
Andi says
Wow, that IS super easy – I am going to do that this weekend!
Cynthia says
Andi, let me know how it turns out, it is super easy.
Wendy | Around My Family Table says
I love the caramel addition!!! I think hubby is gonna get a little excited when I make this for him this weekend.
Cynthia says
Awesome Wendy! I hope he likes it!
Anita says
Easy and pretty – my kind of dessert!
Cynthia says
Anita, very easy, but it makes it seem like you slaved all day!
Christina says
Oh yes! This is something to whip up in a jiffy, but no one ever knows it! I could eat about 5 slices of this…yum!
Cynthia says
Definitely a “back pocket” recipe Christina!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
Caramel Apple is one of my favourite flavour combos ever! This tart is so beautiful! 🙂
Cynthia says
Thank you Annie!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
This looks soooo yummy and I love the addition of the apricot jam!
Cynthia says
The apricot jam is just a trick from culinary school. All the fruit on the baked goods get a quick “shine” of thinned apricot jam.
fabiola@notjustbaked says
It’s midnight and I really want to make this now, looks yummy!
Cynthia says
The best part is when you have puff pastry in the freezer…this dessert is just minutes away!
Ginny McMeans says
I just saw these on pinterest and fell in love. Thanks! Definitely making this beauty.
Cynthia says
Thank you Ginny!
Susan says
Definitely a classic and the scoop of ice cream is not optional in my book!
Cynthia says
Haha Susan!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
This is just perfect Cynthia, flavors and presentation!!
Cynthia says
Thank you Brandon!
Carol Borchardt says
Oh yum, what a gorgeous fall dessert! That caramel sauce is the perfect addition!
Cynthia says
Thank you Carol! Caramel sauce makes everything taste better!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Wow! This is seriously, gloriously, ridiculously easy! After looking at the beautiful, drool-worthy photos, I was so delighted and surprised when I scrolled down to the recipe card and saw how simple this beautiful tart is to make! Perfect! 😀
Cynthia says
Yes, Shelly, so easy! I always keep a package of puff pastry on hand for both savory and sweet last minute dishes!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I’m in love with these but especially how easy they are to whip up!
Taylor Kiser says
This caramel apple tart looks ahhmazing! Perfect fall dessert!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
This is absolutely gorgeous! I love how easy it is too with the puff pastry and store bought caramel. I’m all about those easy conveniences!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
What a beautiful tart! I am so grateful that there’s easy way to use puff pastry in delicious recipes like this.