Picture this: you’re scrolling Pinterest, drooling over gorgeous desserts, and you stumble across a golden, flaky apple tart that looks like it belongs in a French patisserie. You want that in your kitchen, right? These 10 apple tart recipes are not just drool-worthy—they’re totally doable, even if your baking skills are more “enthusiastic amateur” than “Great British Bake Off.” From classic to creative, each tart is a showstopper that’ll have your friends begging for the recipe. Ready to impress? Let’s get baking! 😊
1. Classic French Apple Tart
Why It’s Awesome: This is the tart that started it all—think buttery crust, tender apples, and a glossy finish that screams sophistication. It’s your ticket to feeling like a Parisian baker without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet and prick it all over with a fork.
- Arrange apple slices in neat, overlapping rows on the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the apples, then drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the pastry is golden and the apples are tender.
- Brush apricot jam over the warm tart for that glossy, pro-level shine.
- Slice and serve—preferably with a smug smile.
Why You’ll Love It
This tart is stupidly simple but looks like you slaved all day. The apricot jam glaze adds a fancy touch, and the Granny Smiths bring just the right tartness. I made this for a book club once, and let’s just say it was gone before we got to chapter two.
2. Rustic Apple Galette
Why It’s Awesome: No need for a tart pan—this freeform beauty is all about that laid-back, homemade vibe. Plus, it’s forgiving if your pastry skills are a bit… wobbly.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
- 3 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix flour and butter in a bowl until crumbly. Add ice water gradually, forming a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Roll out dough into a rough 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
- Pile apples in the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold edges over the apples.
- Brush crust with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me.
Why You’ll Love It
This galette is the ultimate “I didn’t even try” flex. The Honeycrisp apples add a sweet crunch, and the rustic look means no one will judge your wonky folds. Perfect for a cozy fall evening.
3. Caramel Apple Tart
Why It’s Awesome: Gooey caramel meets tender apples—what’s not to love? This tart is like a candy apple you can eat with a fork.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 Gala apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Fit pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan and trim excess.
- Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon, then arrange in the crust.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples and dot with butter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until apples are soft and crust is golden.
- Sprinkle with sea salt for that sweet-salty magic.
- Slice and watch everyone lose their minds.
Why You’ll Love It
The caramel sauce makes this tart dangerously addictive. I once brought it to a potluck, and someone licked the plate. Pro tip: warm it up before serving for maximum gooeyness.
4. Apple Rose Tart
Why It’s Awesome: This tart looks like a bouquet of roses but tastes like pure apple heaven. It’s your Pinterest aesthetic dreams come true.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 Pink Lady apples, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup apricot jam, warmed
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out puff pastry and cut into 6 long strips.
- Microwave apple slices with lemon juice for 1–2 minutes to soften.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apple slices.
- Lay apple slices along the top edge of each pastry strip, overlapping slightly. Fold the bottom half of the pastry up and roll into a rose shape.
- Place in a greased muffin tin and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Brush with apricot jam and dust with powdered sugar.
Why You’ll Love It
These mini tarts are almost too pretty to eat—almost. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the Pink Lady apples give a perfect sweet-tart balance. Instagram will thank you.
5. Spiced Apple Chai Tart
Why It’s Awesome: Infused with warm chai spices, this tart is like a hug in dessert form. Perfect for chilly nights when you want something cozy.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 3 Fuji apples, peeled and sliced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup almond slivers (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Press pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan.
- Toss apples with brown sugar, chai spice, and lemon juice.
- Arrange apples in the crust and drizzle with butter.
- Sprinkle almond slivers on top if using.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra coziness.
Why You’ll Love It
The chai spice takes this tart to another level—think fall in every bite. I tried skipping the almonds once, and honestly, I missed the crunch. This one’s a crowd-pleaser.
6. Apple Cranberry Tart
Why It’s Awesome: Tart cranberries cut through the sweetness of apples for a festive, holiday-ready dessert. It’s like Thanksgiving in tart form.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay puff pastry on a baking sheet and prick with a fork.
- Mix apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- Spread mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Drizzle with butter and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before slicing—those cranberries pack a punch!
Why You’ll Love It
The cranberries add a zing that makes this tart stand out. I served this at a holiday party, and it was gone faster than the wine. The orange zest is non-negotiable for that bright pop.
7. Maple Pecan Apple Tart
Why It’s Awesome: Maple syrup and pecans bring a cozy, nutty vibe to this tart. It’s like a pecan pie and apple tart had a delicious baby.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 3 Braeburn apples, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Fit pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan.
- Toss apples with maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Arrange apples in the crust and sprinkle pecans on top.
- Drizzle with butter and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly to let the flavors meld.
Why You’ll Love It
The maple syrup makes this tart feel like a warm hug. I once swapped pecans for walnuts—big mistake. Stick with pecans for that perfect crunch.
8. Apple Frangipane Tart
Why It’s Awesome: Creamy almond frangipane meets tender apples for a tart that’s fancy without the fuss. It’s your secret weapon for dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup almond paste
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Press pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan.
- Blend almond paste, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frangipane over the crust, then arrange apple slices on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Dust with powdered sugar for extra flair.
Why You’ll Love It
The frangipane adds a rich, nutty layer that makes this tart feel indulgent. I made this for a friend’s birthday, and she still talks about it. Serve with coffee for maximum wow.
9. Mini Apple Tarts
Why It’s Awesome: These bite-sized tarts are perfect for parties or snacking. Who doesn’t love a dessert you can pop in your mouth?
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 Fuji apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares.
- Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon.
- Place a spoonful of apples in the center of each square. Fold corners slightly to form a mini tart.
- Brush with butter and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
These mini tarts are dangerously poppable—consider yourself warned. They’re quick to make and perfect for when you want to look fancy without much effort. FYI, they disappear fast.
10. Apple Cinnamon Streusel Tart
Why It’s Awesome: A buttery streusel topping takes this tart to crumble-town. It’s comfort food in dessert form.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 3 Cortland apples, peeled and sliced
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, cold and cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Fit pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan.
- Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon, then arrange in the crust.
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly to make streusel.
- Sprinkle streusel over apples and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream—because why not?
Why You’ll Love It
The streusel adds a crunchy, buttery layer that’s pure bliss. I made this for a family dinner, and my uncle asked for seconds before he finished his first slice. It’s that good.
Wrapping It Up
These apple tarts are your ticket to Pinterest stardom—each one is gorgeous, delicious, and totally doable. Whether you’re craving the classic elegance of a French tart or the cozy vibes of a chai-spiced galette, there’s something here for every mood. So grab some apples, crank up your favorite playlist, and get baking. Your kitchen’s about to smell like fall, and your Pinterest board is gonna thank you! 😉
