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Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Goat Cheese and Honey 780 | Umami Girl-2
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4.86 from 21 votes

Puff Pastry Apple Tarts with Goat Cheese and Honey

Puff pastry apple tarts get a sophisticated twist with lightly sweetened goat cheese and a drizzle of honey. A little bit savory, a little bit sweet, these individual desserts are just right.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Pies & Tarts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: puff pastry apple tart
Calories: 618kcal
Author: Carolyn Gratzer Cope

Ingredients

  • 2 14- ounce 397-gram packages puff pastry, defrosted but chilled (see note 1 below)
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) fresh goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large baking apples peeled, cored, quartered, and sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey, plus more for drizzling
  • Light dusting of ground allspice

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F with two racks near the center.
  • Unfold each sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured cutting board. Roll it out just slightly with a floured rolling pin.
  • Using a 5-inch cookie cutter (or an overturned bowl and a small, sharp knife), cut four 5-inch circles from each sheet of dough.
  • Divide the rounds between two parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Press a 3-inch cookie cutter into the center of each round, stopping ¾ of the way down so that the outer and inner portions are still attached at the bottom. This will allow the outer ring to rise around the center. Pierce the inner section of each round all over with a fork.
  • Place the goat cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds or until soft but not melted. Stir to combine well.
  • Divide goat cheese mixture evenly among pastry rounds and spread over the inner section of each round.
  • Top with overlapping apple slices, making sure to stay within the inner section of each round.
  • Combine the butter and honey in a small bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds, watching carefully, until the butter is almost melted. Stir to combine and complete the melting. (Be careful, as the honey gets hot surprisingly quickly.)
  • Brush some honey butter over the entirety of each round.
  • Bake for about 25 minutes, until the apples are tender and the pastry is puffed and nicely browned.
  • Let the pastries cool slightly, then dust lightly with ground allspice and drizzle with a bit of additional honey.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Dufour is my favorite brand of puff pastry by far, but it’s more expensive and sometimes less available than supermarket brands. You can use whatever brand you like. Dufour comes in a 14-ounce package that's a single sheet. Some other brands come in a 17-ounce package that contains two sheets. Either is fine. Just roll it out lightly to accommodate the size of your cutter. You'll have scraps left over after cutting, and they'll keep in the fridge for a few days. If you like, twist them into fun little shapes and brush with honey butter (for a sweet treat) or butter and grated parmesan (for a savory one). Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet until puffed and golden. Or, if this idea makes you crazy, you can make rectangular tarts and avoid scraps altogether.
  2. Baking apples are varieties that hold their shape when baked. There are lots of types, which may or may not be available to you depending on where you live. Braeburn, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Pink Lady are all good choices.
  3. Fresh goat cheese (also called chèvre) is creamy, tangy, and savory. It's a beautiful way to bridge the sweet and savory elements in this recipe. I know it sounds surprising, but it works beautifully.
  4. I like to use a run-of-the-mill mild-tasting honey from the supermarket. You can use whatever kind you like.
  5. These tarts are at their best shortly after they come out of the oven. You can prep them in advance and keep, covered with plastic wrap, right on the baking sheet in the fridge. If you do this, it's a good idea to toss the apple slices with a little bit of lemon juice before assembling to prevent browning, and consider using a browning-resistant variety like Granny Smith. Bake as directed right before serving.
  6. Leftovers will keep for a couple of days, covered at cool room temperature and can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 618kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 11.8g | Fat: 40.8g | Fiber: 2.3g