Description
Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart is a classic French dessert featuring thinly sliced apples arranged beautifully on a flaky all-butter puff pastry base, baked until golden and crisp, then glazed with apricot jam for a glossy finish. This elegant yet simple tart combines buttery, tender pastry with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, perfect for serving warm or at room temperature with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry (about 10x10 inches)
Filling
- 2–3 firm apples (e.g., Braeburn or Golden Delicious)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet and use a fork to prick the center area, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges to allow the crust to puff up.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Arrange the slices neatly over the pricked area of the pastry in overlapping rows, keeping within the border. Brush the apple slices with the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with sugar and, if desired, the ground cinnamon for added warmth and flavor.
- Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp, and the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Make the Apricot Glaze: While the tart is baking, warm the apricot jam with the tablespoon of water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. For a finer glaze, strain it through a sieve to remove any fruit chunks.
- Glaze and Cool: Once the tart is removed from the oven, generously brush the warm apricot glaze over the apple slices to create a beautiful glossy finish. Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a more refined presentation, slice the apples very thinly and arrange them in a fan or rosette pattern on the pastry.
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature paired with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.
- You can use other firm apple varieties like Pink Lady or Granny Smith for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling for optimal flakiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
