Save A decadent tart featuring creamy Brie, caramelized apples, and a flaky pastry crust & perfect for fall gatherings or as an elegant appetizer.
I first tried this tart for a small fall get-together and everyone raved about the warm combination of buttery pastry and melty cheese with sweet apples. It quickly became my favorite autumn recipe for guests.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- Cheese: 200 g (7 oz) Brie cheese, rind trimmed and sliced
- Apples: 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt: Pinch of salt
- Caramel Sauce: 4 tbsp store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Flaky Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Add Brie:
- Arrange Brie slices evenly over the pastry, leaving a 2 cm (3/4-inch) border.
- Caramelize Apples:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sauté 5–7 minutes until apples are soft and caramelized.
- Assemble Tart:
- Spoon caramelized apples over the Brie. Fold pastry edges over, pleating as needed to form a rustic edge.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until pastry is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce while warm. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and flaky salt, if using. Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Save My family always gathers around the table when this comes out of the oven & the aroma makes everyone smile before the first slice is served.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the tart with sparkling wine or crisp cider for an even more festive appetizer experience.
Variations
Try pears instead of apples or add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Save This tart is guaranteed to impress guests & is wonderfully elegant yet easy to make in under one hour.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Yes, Camembert or triple cream cheeses also melt beautifully and complement the apples' flavor.
- → Should apples be precooked before baking?
Yes, sautéing apples in butter and sugar ensures caramelization and soft texture for the tart.
- → Is store-bought caramel sauce suitable?
Absolutely—store-bought caramel sauce adds sweetness and convenience, but homemade is an option.
- → How can I keep the pastry flaky?
Chill the pastry until just before baking and avoid over-filling to maintain a golden, crisp texture.
- → Are nuts necessary for the garnish?
No, but toasted pecans or walnuts provide texture and flavor. Omit for nut allergies or personal preference.
- → What wine pairs well with this tart?
Try a crisp Chardonnay or sparkling wine to balance the tart's creamy and sweet flavors.
- → Can pears be substituted for apples?
Yes, pears add a delicate sweetness and work well with Brie and caramel in this dish.