Pan-Seared Apple Cinnamon Tarts
Flaky puff pastry tarts topped with tender apple slices glazed with cinnamon sugar, seared on the stove for golden crispiness. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers medium apple, peeled and thinly sliced, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 2 medium apple, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut each thawed puff pastry sheet into 6 equal squares. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tsp water to make an egg wash.
- Step 2: Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash and fold slightly to create a shallow rim. Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Step 3: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 2 peeled and thinly sliced medium apples along with 1 tsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until apples are tender and syrupy.
- Step 4: Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 3 puff pastry squares at a time in the skillet, raw side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and puffed.
- Step 5: Flip the puff pastry squares, spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the tops, and cook an additional 2 minutes to warm through and set the filling.
- Step 6: Transfer tarts to serving plates and garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Apple Cinnamon Tarts take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Apple Cinnamon Tarts?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Apple Cinnamon Tarts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Apple Cinnamon Tarts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Apple Cinnamon Tarts?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
