Can I use other types of apples for this apple tart?

Feel free to substitute the Honeycrisp apples for any variety you prefer, including Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, or any type you have on hand. Avoid mushy or overly sweet apples.

Do I need to par-bake the puff pastry for this tart?

There's no need to par-bake the puff pastry for this apple tart. It will bake up perfectly with the apples for a tender topping and crisp base.

Can I bake these apple tarts ahead?

These apple tarts can be baked up to two days in advance and stored at room temperature. Reheat in the oven if desired to help crisp up before serving.

Glazed Apple Tart Recipe

Name: Glazed Apple Tart
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 0.5 (17.3-oz.) pkg. frozen puff pastry, thawed (1 sheet); 1 large (8 oz.) Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced (1/8-in.-thick slices); 0.33 cup granulated sugar; 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed; 3 Tbsp. apricot preserves or apple jelly; 1 Tbsp. water; Fresh thyme, for garnish

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

6 to 8

The secret to this quick and easy but still impressive-looking apple tart lies in the freezer aisle. Frozen puff pastry is the shortcut that creates an airy and flaky tart base in minutes. Paired with just a handful of other ingredients, frozen puff pastry transforms into dessert with just 10 minutes of active time.

An apple tart is a great dessert for entertaining, as you can assemble the tart as dinner is coming together and then throw it in the oven while eating the main course. By the time dinner is over, dessert is served.

The finishing touches on this dessert are what help make it extra special, from brushing the warm tart with apricot preserves to give it a beautiful shine, to the sprinkle of delicate thyme leaves, which play off the apples with their floral scent.

You'll need an apple that remains somewhat firm while baking to maintain the beautiful shingled look of these tarts, which is why we suggest Honeycrisp apples. Bonus, Honeycrisp apples have skin that retains its pretty rosy color while baking, for an evening more stunning-looking dessert.

Ingredients for Glazed Apple Tart

If you keep frozen puff pastry on hand in the freezer, this apple tart can pretty much be whipped up at a moment's notice. One apple, a little sugar and butter, and your tart is ready to be baked. To make this apple tart, you'll need:

Frozen puff pastry: The flaky base of the tart.
Honeycrisp apple: A sweet but firm apple that holds up well to baking applications.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart.
Unsalted butter: Dotted over the apples to help with even cooking and caramelization.
Apricot preserves or apple jelly: Brushed over the tart for a shiny finish.
Water: Thins the glaze slightly.
Fresh thyme: An optional garnish.

How To Make Glazed Apple Tart

Endlessly impressive with only 10 minutes of active time, no one will know how easy this dessert was to pull together. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Arrange apple slices on puff pastry sheet: Place puff pastry sheet on prepared pan and shingle apples over to cover. Sprinkle with sugar, and dot with butter.
Step 3. Bake tart: Bake until browned, 35 to 40 minutes.
Step 4. Add glaze: Stir together preserves and water; brush over tart. Garnish with thyme and serve.

Variations for Glazed Apple Tart

When a dessert is this quick to throw together, you know there are ways to jazz it up to your liking:

Add flavoring: Spices, zest, or other types of herbs can be sprinkled over the apples for extra flavor before topping with sugar and butter.
Add a filling: Spread cooked apples, frangipane (almond cream), or jam over the puff pastry before topping with apples for even more interest.
Skip the glaze: If you don't have apricot jam or apple jelly on hand, garnish with a dusting of confectioners' sugar or drizzle of honey for a simple finish.
Serve with style: Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, and/or drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish.
Individual tarts: Make individual tarts by cutting squares, rectangles, or circles out of the puff pastry before topping with apples as directed.

How To Store Glazed Apple Tart

To make ahead: This tart can be assembled in advance, wrapped and frozen for up to two months. Sprinkle with sugar and dot with butter before baking as directed, straight from the freezer. Add a few minutes of additional baking time as needed.

Storing leftovers: Store leftovers well-wrapped at room temperature for up to two days. Serve at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven before serving. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days, or freeze for up to two months. Bring to room temperature or warm before serving.

More Apple Dessert Recipes You'll Love

When apple season begins, it's always wise to have plenty of recipes on hand for using up that fall bounty:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

1/2 (17.3-oz.) pkg. frozen puff pastry, thawed (1 sheet)
1 large (8 oz.) Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced (1/8-in.-thick slices)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed
3 Tbsp. apricot preserves or apple jelly
1 Tbsp. water
Fresh thyme, for garnish

Directions

Prepare oven and baking sheet:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange apple slices on puff pastry sheet:

Place puff pastry sheet on prepared pan. Shingle apples evenly over pastry in diagonal lines, adjusting to cover dough completely. Sprinkle with sugar, and top evenly with butter cubes.
Bake tart:

Bake in preheated oven until browned and puffed, 35 to 40 minutes.
Add glaze:

Stir together apricot preserves and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Brush apricot mixture over warm tart. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of apples for this apple tart?

Feel free to substitute the Honeycrisp apples for any variety you prefer, including Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, or any type you have on hand. Avoid mushy or overly sweet apples.
Do I need to par-bake the puff pastry for this tart?

There's no need to par-bake the puff pastry for this apple tart. It will bake up perfectly with the apples for a tender topping and crisp base.
Can I bake these apple tarts ahead?

These apple tarts can be baked up to two days in advance and stored at room temperature. Reheat in the oven if desired to help crisp up before serving.