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Easy Flaky Rose-Shaped Apple Tarts

rose-shaped apple tarts - featured image

A beginner-friendly recipe for flaky, buttery puff pastry apple tarts shaped like roses, featuring thinly sliced apples with cinnamon and a subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8 oz / 225 g), thawed but cold
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam or honey (optional, for glazing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Core and thinly slice 2 medium apples into about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick slices. Toss slices in a bowl with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the apples. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 12 x 9 inches (30 x 23 cm). Cut the pastry into 6 strips, each about 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
  5. Lay apple slices along one long edge of each pastry strip, overlapping slightly, with the rounded skin edges sticking out over the edge. The apples should cover about half the width of the strip.
  6. Fold the other half of the pastry strip over the bottom of the apple slices. Starting at one end, carefully roll the strip into a rose shape. Tuck the edges underneath to seal. Repeat with remaining strips and apples.
  7. Arrange the rolled apple roses on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
  8. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and gently brush over the pastry and exposed apple slices for a golden finish.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the pastry is golden and flaky and the apples are tender. Check after 30 minutes to avoid burning; tent with foil if needed.
  10. Optional: Warm 1 tablespoon apricot jam or honey in the microwave for about 15 seconds and brush over the warm tarts for a shiny glaze.
  11. Let the tarts cool for 10 minutes on the pan before serving.

Notes

Use thin, even apple slices to ensure they curl properly without breaking. Keep puff pastry cold to prevent stickiness. Do not overfill pastry strips with apples to avoid tearing. Check oven around 30 minutes to prevent burning. Glazing with apricot jam or honey is optional but adds shine and sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple tart, rose-shaped tart, puff pastry, easy dessert, beginner-friendly, cinnamon apple, flaky pastry, quick dessert