If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together everyday comfort and a touch of French bakery magic, this Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream is exactly what you need. With buttery golden layers of pastry, ribbons of tender spiced apples, and a swoop of melting vanilla ice cream, every bite tastes like fall coziness and celebration all at once. The best part? It’s so quick to make, you can whip it up anytime the craving strikes—no special occasion required! Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that simple pantry staples can create showstopping results. Each ingredient adds a specific pop of flavor, texture, or visual appeal—making your Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream an instant classic.
- Puff pastry: Store-bought puff pastry keeps things easy while delivering irresistible flakiness and buttery goodness.
- Apples: Fresh, crisp apples are the star, providing natural sweetness and a pretty spiral of color once sliced.
- Granulated sugar: A sprinkle over the apples brings their flavor forward and helps them caramelize as they bake.
- Cinnamon: Classic warm spice gives the tart that irresistible bakery aroma.
- Unsalted butter: Brushed on the apples, it adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Egg (optional): Used for an egg wash, it gives the pastry a golden, bakery-style finish, though the tart is still delicious without it.
- Vanilla ice cream: The ultimate finishing touch—creamy, dreamy, and the perfect cool contrast to the warm tart.
How to Make Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s properly hot for that signature pastry puff. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—your tart will lift off perfectly golden and intact.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your puff pastry sheet into a classic rectangle. This step gives you even layers and creates just the right amount of space for your apples. Lay it flat on your prepared baking sheet so every edge bakes up crispy.
Step 3: Arrange the Apples
Neatly fan out those thinly sliced apples across the pastry, leaving about a half-inch border all around. This not only looks beautiful but also keeps the edge of your pastry light and airy. Arrange them as packed or as loose as you like—think bakery window vibes for extra points.
Step 4: Add Butter, Sugar, and Cinnamon
Brush the apple slices generously with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar and dust with cinnamon—this trio gives every bite a delicious blend of caramel notes, warmth, and sweetness that defines a classic Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Step 5: Egg Wash the Edges (Optional)
If you’re after that golden, glossy finish, beat an egg and brush it around the pastry border. This step is optional, but it makes your tart look straight out of a French patisserie.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the assembled tart into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Watch for puffed, golden pastry and tender apples—your kitchen will soon smell absolutely incredible. When the tart is ready, let it cool for just a few minutes on the pan so the pastry stays crisp.
Step 7: Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
The crowning moment: slice your tart and serve warm, each portion crowned with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of flaky pastry, buttery apples, and melting ice cream is pure magic.
How to Serve Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream
Garnishes
For that inviting “wow” factor, add a dusting of powdered sugar over the tart just before serving. A few toasted almond slivers or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and bring even more flavor. Don’t forget that scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—the essential finishing flourish for your Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad if you’re leaning toward brunch or an afternoon treat. For pure dessert mode, consider serving alongside a mug of spiced tea, coffee, or even mulled wine—these cozy flavors echo the tart’s cinnamon-kissed apples.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the tart into rustic squares or elegant slim rectangles for a more modern look. Serve individually on small plates with a scoop of ice cream, or present the whole tart on a wooden board, family-style, letting everyone scoop their own. Top with a sprig of fresh mint for a splash of color, or serve with a trio of ice cream flavors for a special gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare around my kitchen), wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, just be aware the pastry may soften a bit over time.
Freezing
You can freeze Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream (minus the ice cream, of course!). Let the baked tart cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, reheat gently from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To restore the crispiness, reheat individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives the flaky pastry and warms the apples—simply add a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving, and it’ll taste just as dreamy as the day you baked it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit in this tart?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or plums can all step in for apples if you’re feeling adventurous or making the most of seasonal fruit. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they bake up tender.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Not at all! If you like a bit more texture and color, leave the peels on. They’ll soften in the oven and give your Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream a lovely, rustic appearance.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the tart up to a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Freshly baked is always best, though, especially for that crisp pastry!
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. If you’re pressed for time, leave it at room temperature for about 40 minutes—just be careful not to let it get too warm and sticky.
Can I skip the egg wash?
Definitely! The egg wash is optional and only affects the color and sheen of the pastry, not the flavor. Your tart will still taste fantastic even without it.
Final Thoughts
Every home baker deserves an easy, elegant dessert up their sleeve, and this Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream truly delivers. Warm, golden, and impossibly inviting, it’s a little moment of bakery magic that anyone can create. Grab your apples and pastry, and let yourself savor a sweet treat that’s sure to charm you and your guests every time!
Print
Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and elegant apple tart is made with buttery puff pastry, tender apple slices, and a touch of sugar and cinnamon. Served warm with creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a cozy dessert that comes together in minutes but feels totally luxurious.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Egg Wash (optional):
- 1 egg
Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle and place on the prepared sheet.
- Add Apple Slices: Arrange apple slices evenly across the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Season: Brush apples with melted butter, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Egg Wash (Optional): Optionally, brush the pastry border with beaten egg for a golden color.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 31mg