The Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart is one of those dishes that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Imagine the buttery crispness of puff pastry meeting the creamy, mild richness of brie cheese, all topped with sweet, tender apple slices and a drizzle of golden honey. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a special snack, this tart is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and become a quick favorite in your recipe collection.

Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one adds its own magic: the puff pastry brings a flaky base, apples provide natural sweetness and freshness, brie contributes creaminess, honey adds a delightful glaze of sweetness, and walnuts offer a crunchy contrast. Using these essentials ensures a perfect harmony of flavors and textures every time.

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery foundation that makes this tart irresistibly crisp.
1 apple, thinly sliced: Choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a refreshing sweet-tart bite.
4 oz brie cheese, thinly sliced: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully under the apples.
2 tbsp honey: Adds a natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For a pleasant crunch and nutty depth that complements the other flavors.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Brushed on the edges for that gorgeous golden-brown crust.

How to Make Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to give the puff pastry that perfect rise. Next, roll out your sheet of frozen puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases and shape it nicely. This sets the stage for a beautifully even tart that bakes up golden and flaky.

Step 2: Arrange the Brie Cheese

Transfer the rolled pastry to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, lay the thin slices of brie evenly across the pastry while leaving about an inch around the edge. This careful layering allows the creamy cheese to soften and meld into the pastry without spilling over during baking.

Step 3: Add the Apple Slices

Now comes the star of the show: the apples. Layer your thin apple slices on top of the brie, spreading them out for an even distribution. The thinness is key here—too thick and the tart won’t bake evenly; too thin and you miss out on that lovely tender bite.

Step 4: Sweeten and Add Texture

Drizzle the honey over the apple slices for just the right amount of sweetness and a glossy finish that will bake into the tart. If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle them over the top now. These little bits add a delicious crunch that contrasts with the soft cheese and tender apples.

Step 5: Fold, Brush, and Bake

Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry towards the center to create a rustic, pleated border that holds all your delicious fillings in place. Then, brush the pastry edge with the beaten egg to help it turn that appetizing golden brown. Bake your tart for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s puffed, crisp, and looking absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, let your Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart cool slightly before slicing. This brief rest helps the layers settle, making it easier to cut neat slices and enjoy those unbeatable flavors without everything sliding apart.

How to Serve Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work wonderfully as a garnish, adding a subtle aromatic note that complements the sweetness of the apples and richness of the brie. A few extra chopped walnuts sprinkled on top just before serving can also enhance texture and presentation.

Side Dishes

This tart shines as a light lunch or appetizer, especially when paired with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad. For dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup to create a cozy fall-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, cut the tart into small squares or strips to serve as elegant hors d’oeuvres at your next gathering. You can even arrange the tart as individual mini tarts using puff pastry circles for a fun, bite-sized treat. The golden pastry and colorful apple slices always make a stunning visual impression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, you can enjoy those delicious layers without sacrificing freshness.

Freezing

While the tart is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To keep the puff pastry crisp when reheating, place the tart on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and soften the crisp texture you worked so hard to achieve.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this tart?

Absolutely! While brie is classic for this recipe thanks to its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like camembert or even a mild goat cheese for a different but equally delicious twist.

What type of apples are best for this tart?

Crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape when baked and provide a lovely balance to the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the honey.

Is it necessary to fold the edges of the puff pastry?

Folding the edges creates a beautiful rustic border that helps contain the cheese and apples as they bake, preventing spills and giving the tart a charming, homemade look.

Can I make this tart vegetarian friendly?

This Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart is naturally vegetarian as it relies on cheese and apples without any meat ingredients. Just be sure to use honey according to your dietary preferences or substitute with maple syrup if vegan options are needed.

How can I make this gluten-free?

To enjoy this tart gluten-free, look for gluten-free puff pastry options at specialty stores or make your own crust using gluten-free flour blends, although the texture may differ slightly from traditional puff pastry.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a warm slice of Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. It’s simple enough for a casual weekend treat but elegant enough to impress guests, making it a versatile jewel in your culinary crown. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why this tart is one of those special dishes that’s hard to put down.

Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 15 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in crispy, golden puff pastry. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or light dessert, it features thinly sliced apples, creamy brie cheese, a drizzle of honey, and crunchy walnuts for added texture. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, this tart is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Filling

1 apple, thinly sliced
4 oz brie cheese, thinly sliced
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases, making it an even rectangle or square for easy layering.
Arrange Pastry: Transfer the rolled puff pastry to the prepared baking sheet, positioning it evenly.
Layer Brie: Arrange the thinly sliced brie cheese evenly over the puff pastry, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges for folding later.
Add Apple Slices: Layer the thin apple slices on top of the brie, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
Drizzle Honey & Add Walnuts: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey over the apple slices. If desired, sprinkle the chopped walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Fold Edges: Fold the 1-inch border of puff pastry edges over the filling, pleating as needed to create a rustic tart edge that will hold the filling in place.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the folded edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
Cool & Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing into pieces and serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Choose a crisp, tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast to the creamy brie.
Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold to make handling easier and to ensure optimal puffing when baked.
The walnuts are optional but add a nice texture and flavor balance.
For a dairy-free or vegan variation, substitute brie with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Serve the tart warm to enjoy the melted brie and crisp puff pastry at their best.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired