Description
These Brown Butter Apple Tartlets combine flaky puff pastry with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples browned in rich butter, making for an elegant and comforting dessert perfect for fall or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Brown Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Other
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Thaw the puff pastry sheet completely if frozen and gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. This will help create a uniform base for the tartlets.
- Make brown butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare the apple filling: Core and thinly slice the apples. Place the slices in a bowl and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if using. Mix gently to coat the apples evenly.
- Assemble the tartlets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the puff pastry into rounds or squares to fit your tartlet molds. Gently place the pastry in the molds, pressing down to line the bottoms and sides. Arrange the apple slices inside the pastry cups, slightly overlapping them. Drizzle the prepared brown butter over the apples evenly.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Lightly beat the egg and brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash to encourage a golden crust. Bake the tartlets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp and the apples are tender.
Notes
- For best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp.
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Brown butter can be made ahead of time and kept at room temperature.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
