An EASY apple puff pastry recipe. Only 4 Ingredients!

If you're craving a simple and delicious dessert that looks impressive but only requires a few ingredients, you're in the right place. This apple puff pastry recipe is perfect for beginners and pro bakers alike. With puff pastry, apples, brown sugar, butter, and an optional egg wash, you can whip up a flaky, golden treat in no time. Whether you're making a full apple tart puff pastry or cute mini apple tartlets, this recipe is versatile and easy to follow. Let’s jump in!

Ingredients (Only 4 Ingredients!)

Puff pastry (store-bought is totally fine!)
Apples (we’ll talk about the best types below)
Brown sugar
Butter
Optional: egg (for a golden, shiny finish)

That's it! You’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients come together to create something so tasty.

What’s the different in Apple Tarts, Tartlets and Turnovers?

The main difference between apple puff pastry tarts, tartlets, and turnovers comes down to their size and shape. An apple puff pastry tart is typically larger, baked on a flat sheet of puff pastry with sliced apples arranged on top. It's often served in slices, similar to a pie but with a crisp, flaky crust. Apple tartlets, on the other hand, are smaller, individual-sized versions of the tart. They’re perfect for personal servings and great for parties or gatherings. Apple turnovers differ in that they are hand-held pastries made by folding the puff pastry over the apple filling to create a sealed pocket. The filling is fully enclosed, making turnovers portable and easy to enjoy on the go, while both tarts and tartlets have an open-top design.

Best Apples for Apple Tartlets or Apple Tarts

When making any apple puff pastry, not all apples are created equal. The key here is to choose apples that hold their shape while baking and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

Granny Smith: These apples are known for their tart flavor and crisp texture. They hold up well when baked, making them a top choice for your apple tart puff pastry or apple turnover puff pastry.
Honeycrisp: These are sweet but still have enough acidity to add depth of flavor. Plus, their natural juiciness means you won’t end up with a dry pastry.
Fuji: A sweeter option that holds its shape beautifully during baking. Great if you prefer a less tart pastry.
Braeburn: Another balanced apple with a mix of sweetness and tang, Braeburns are perfect for puff pastry tarts and apple tartlets.
Pink Lady: Slightly tangy with a crisp texture, these apples work well in baked desserts and will bring a nice complexity to your apple puff pastry.

Whichever apple you choose, make sure they’re fresh and firm. Soft apples won’t give you the same satisfying bite.

PRO TIP: How to keep Apples from turning brown after sliced.

Best Way to Thaw Puff Pastry

Puff pastry can be tricky to handle if not thawed properly, so here’s the best way to go about it:

Overnight in the fridge: The safest way to thaw your puff pastry is to let it sit in the fridge overnight. This allows it to defrost evenly and prevents the dough from becoming too soft and sticky.
Quick thaw on the counter: If you're in a hurry, you can leave the puff pastry at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it though! Puff pastry is delicate, and if it gets too warm, it will lose its flakiness.

Once it’s pliable but still cool, you’re ready to go. Roll it out lightly if needed for your apple puff pastry recipe, but don’t overwork it—you want those buttery layers to stay intact!

How to Make Tartlet Shapes

Now, let’s talk about turning your apple puff pastry into mini apple tartlets. It’s easier than you think!

Cutting the puff pastry: Use a cookie cutter, a glass, or even freehand with a knife to cut circles (or squares, if you prefer) from the thawed puff pastry. Each piece should be around 3-4 inches in diameter for the perfect individual size.
Creating the tartlet base: Lightly score a border about ½ inch from the edge of each piece (without cutting all the way through). This will help the edges puff up and create a nice raised crust.
Filling: Add thin slices of apples in a fan-like pattern, leaving that ½ inch border. Sprinkle with a little brown sugar and dot with butter.
Optional egg wash: Brush the edges with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
Bake: Pop them into the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Voila—adorable, bite-sized apple tartlets!

How to Serve This Apple Puff Pastry Recipe

Whether you’re serving a full apple tart or apple tartlets, here are some fun serving ideas:

With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream against the warm, flaky pastry is pure heaven.
Drizzle with caramel sauce: Take it up a notch by drizzling some salted caramel sauce over the top of your apple puff pastry.
Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a nice, light contrast to the rich pastry.
Savory twist: If you want to get creative, try serving your apple puff pastry as an appetizer by pairing it with sharp cheddar or goat cheese. It sounds wild, but the combo of sweet apples and savory cheese is to die for.

Apple Puff Pastry FAQ

How to Store?

Room temperature: If you plan to eat your apple tartlets or apple puff pastry within a day, just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crispy and delicious for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerate: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for 3-4 days. Just note that the puff pastry may lose some of its crispiness.
Reheat: To bring back the flakiness, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The microwave will make them soggy, so avoid that if possible.
Freeze: If you're prepping in advance, you can freeze baked apple tartlets. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat them straight from the freezer in the oven.

Can I Use Homemade Puff Pastry?

Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade puff pastry will add an extra layer of flakiness and buttery goodness. However, store-bought works perfectly fine for this apple puff pastry recipe.

Can I Add Spices?

Yes! A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on the apples before baking can add warmth and flavor to your apple tart puff pastry or apple turnover puff pastry.

How Long Does It Take to Bake?

In general, apple puff pastry takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F. You'll know it's done when the edges are puffed and golden, and the apples are tender.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble your apple tartlets or full apple tart in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bake them fresh for the best texture.

Can I Substitute the Brown Sugar?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can easily substitute with regular granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

Wrapping Up The Apple Puff Pastry Recipe

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this apple puff pastry recipe is a winner every time. Whether you're whipping up a full apple tart puff pastry, apple turnover puff pastry, or bite-sized apple tartlets, you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these little desserts can be. Try it out for your next gathering, or just as a quick treat for yourself!