Who doesn’t love a delicious dessert that’s easy to make and looks stunning on the table? This vegan puff pastry apple tart is a simple recipe that combines tart apples, flaky crust, and a sweet apple filling to create a dish that will earn rave reviews. Perfect for the holiday season or any time of year, this easy dessert is bound to become your favorite!
If you are a fan of apples check out my collection of apple recipes here!
What Makes This Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Tart Recipe Special?
The puff pastry apple tart recipe is not just a delicious dessert; it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. Using store-bought puff pastry dough saves minutes of prep time, while fresh apples and cinnamon sugar deliver a comforting, homemade taste. This recipe is versatile, perfect for making smaller tarts, and pairs beautifully with a big scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating the perfect puff pastry apple tart starts with high-quality, simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential:
Puff Pastry Sheets
The base of this tart is made from puff pastry sheets, which are known for their light, flaky layers. Store-bought puff pastry dough, like Pepperidge Farm, is a convenient and reliable option available at most grocery stores. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use homemade puff pastry for a truly artisanal touch. Make sure to thaw the pastry at room temperature before use, as it needs to be pliable for rolling and shaping. A single sheet of puff pastry forms the perfect foundation for this recipe.
Tart Apples
Granny Smith apples are the best apples for this recipe, thanks to their crisp texture and tart flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon. If you prefer a sweeter apple tart, Honeycrisp apples or Gala apples are also excellent choices. These apples hold their shape well when baked and won’t turn mushy. The variety you choose can slightly change the flavor profile, making this a versatile recipe to suit your taste.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds depth and a hint of molasses to the apple filling, creating a rich, caramel-like sweetness. It enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and caramelizes slightly during baking for a beautiful finish. For a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar, which offers a similar flavor with a lower glycemic index.
Ground Cinnamon and Salt
A classic combination, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt bring warmth and complexity to the apple filling. The cinnamon provides the cozy, spicy notes we associate with apple desserts, while the salt balances the sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the apples.
Toppings
The finishing touch makes this tart irresistible. Maple syrup can be drizzled over the top to add a layer of sticky sweetness, or a dusting of powdered sugar can give a delicate, snow-like appearance. For an extra pop of flavor and a glossy finish, apricot jam or preserves can be brushed over the top of the tart after baking. This simple step takes the dessert to the next level, giving it a bakery-quality presentation.
Vegan Butter
Brushing melted vegan butter over the puff pastry before baking ensures a perfectly golden brown crust with a deliciously rich flavor. It also helps the pastry crisp up beautifully, adding a light crunch to every bite. Make sure to use room-temperature butter for easy application.
Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in making this puff pastry apple tart a crowd-pleaser. Together, they create a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
Helpful Tools
To make this recipe a breeze, gather these tools:
- Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the puff pastry sheets evenly.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing apples into thin slices.
- Sheet Pan: To bake the tarts evenly.
- Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
How to Make Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Tart
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Slice the apples into super-thin slices using a sharp knife.
- Toss apple slices in a small bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 9 equal squares.
Assembly Of The Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Tart
- Arrange apple slices in clusters of 5-6, slightly overlapping them.
- Place apple clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’ll fit under the puff pastry squares.
- Cover each cluster with a square of puff pastry and seal the edges by pressing them down.
- Brush the tops of the pastry with melted vegan butter.
Baking
- Bake in the hot oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Flip each tart carefully using a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Top with maple syrup or powdered sugar while warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use cold puff pastry for easier handling.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to sliced apples to prevent browning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Yes, Honeycrisp and Gala apples are great alternatives for sweeter tarts.
Use parchment paper or nonstick spray on your sheet pan.
Apricot preserves or a scoop of vegan ice cream are perfect additions.
Substitute with gluten-free puff pastry sheets for a delicious gluten-free version.
Puff Pastry Apple Tart Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Toppings
- maple syrup, or powered sugar for topping
- 1-2 tbsp melted vegan butter
Instructions
Prep
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°.
- Cut the apple into super thin slices. See photos for reference.
- Add the apples slices into a bowl and gently toss with brown sugar, salt and cinnamon until they are evenly coated.
- If your puff pastry doesn't already come in a rolled out sheet, roll it out into a fairly thin layer. See photos for reference.
- Cut the puff pastry into 9 equal squares.
Assembly
- Place about 5-6 apple slices together, slightly overlapping one another so they stay together.
- Evenly distribute these apple clusters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the apple slices will be fully covered by the puff pastry squares.
- Cover each apple cluster with a square of the puff pastry and press all the edges down to seal them. Brush the tops of the pastry with melted vegan butter.
Baking
- Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Flip them over using a spatula, you may have to shimmy the spatula a little to ensure it all stays together.
- Top each one with warm maple syrup or powdered sugar as a topping, serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Tart
This easy apple tart is a must-try for apple season! With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a flaky crust filled with delicious apple slices. Whether served warm with caramel sauce or as a standalone dessert, this recipe guarantees rave reviews every time.
Loved this these apple tarts were delicious, what brand do you recommend for the pastry? Or do you have a fav
You can use any brand of puff pastry you like! The tenderflake one happens to be vegan if you are looking for vegan or dairy free. Hope that helps! 🙂
Loving the apples this time is the year!! 🍏 this recipe was so great loved how simple it was.
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you loved it! 🙂 I love a simple recipe too!
Loving the apples this time is the year!! 🍏 this recipe was so great loved how simple it was.
Thank you so much!!
Thank you!! These tarts were delicious 🤤
Thank you!! I’m so happy you loved them ☺️