Vintage Cheddar Apple Tart with Flaky Pastry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A buttery, flaky tart filled with caramelized apples and 18-month-aged cheddar cheese, featuring a classic recipe passed through generations. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers sheet (14 oz), thawed puff pastry, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter 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 320 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Roll the thawed 14 oz puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to a 12x9-inch rectangle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and trim edges.
  3. Step 3: Toss 2 medium diced Honeycrisp apples with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the floured apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup grated aged cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg until cheese melts and mixture is well combined.
  6. Step 6: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
  7. Step 7: Fold the pastry edges over the filling to create a 1-inch border, then brush the folded edge with 1 beaten egg.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vintage Cheddar Apple Tart with Flaky Pastry take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 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 Vintage Cheddar Apple Tart with Flaky Pastry?

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 Vintage Cheddar Apple Tart with Flaky Pastry?

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 Vintage Cheddar Apple Tart with Flaky Pastry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Vintage Cheddar Apple Tart with Flaky Pastry?

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.

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