Name: Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (about 10×10 inches, thawed if frozen); 2 to 3 apples (Golden Delicious or Braeburn, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon apricot jam (warmed and strained); 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Imagine the perfect blend of crisp, buttery pastry encasing tender, caramelized apples with a glossy apricot finish — that’s what makes Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart a showstopping dessert at any gathering. Flaky, fragrant, and irresistibly French, this tart transforms simple pantry staples into a creation that’s both visually impressive and universally adored. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated soirée, this classic recipe brings both ease and elegance to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dessert so magical is how a handful of basic ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element is carefully chosen to deliver that signature taste and jewel-like appearance.

Puff pastry sheet: Buttery and ready-made, this is the shortcut to a light, crisp base; let it thaw if frozen for easy handling.
Apples: Golden Delicious or Braeburn offer the right blend of sweetness, slight tartness, and hold their shape when baked.
Unsalted butter: Brushed over the apples to add richness and golden color as they bake.
Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top, it caramelizes for a shimmering finish and subtle crunch.
Apricot jam: Warming and straining enhances its gloss; brushing this over the tart gives that irresistible pâtisserie sheen.
Lemon juice: Just a splash keeps the apples lively, balancing the sweetness and preventing browning.
Powdered sugar (optional): A final dusting transforms the finished tart into something fit for a celebration.

How to Make Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully set your puff pastry on top. Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border all around the edge — be gentle, you want to avoid cutting all the way through. This border will puff up beautifully in the oven to frame your apples, while pricking the inner section with a fork keeps the center flat and crisp.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples (aim for even slices for the prettiest result). Fan the slices inside your scored border, overlapping slightly in tidy rows. This creates that iconic French tart look and ensures every bite is packed with tender, baked apple.

Step 3: Butter and Sweeten

Brush the apple slices generously with melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top. The butter adds depth and helps the sugar caramelize, creating a lush, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for deeply golden pastry and tender apples — your kitchen will smell like a Parisian bakery! Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes, as every oven bakes a tad differently.

Step 5: Glaze for Perfection

While the tart is still hot, gently brush the apples with the warmed, strained apricot jam. This step locks in moisture and gives the tart its signature glistening finish. Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing so you can enjoy tidy pieces.

How to Serve Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy touch, dust the tart with powdered sugar just before serving. A dollop of crème fraîche, a swirl of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side brings cool contrast to the warm, buttery pastry and highlights the tart’s mellow sweetness.

Side Dishes

Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or as the irresistible close to a French brasserie-inspired meal of roast chicken and haricots verts. Even on its own, it makes a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try cutting the tart into elegant rectangles and stacking them with a ribbon of caramel sauce. Or, make mini tarts for a playful twist using smaller squares of puff pastry and a single fan of apples. Arrange with edible flowers or a scattering of toasted sliced almonds for even more beauty and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the tart loosely in foil or place slices in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days — the crust will soften a bit, but the flavors remain delightful.

Freezing

Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart freezes surprisingly well. Cool it completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to one month. For best results, freeze the tart unsliced; this helps maintain the pastry’s structure.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tart (thawed if frozen) on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes. This brings back the pastry’s crispness and freshens the baked apples. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the pastry rather than revive its lovely flakiness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this tart?

Absolutely! While Golden Delicious or Braeburn deliver the best texture and sweet-tart balance, you can experiment with Granny Smith for extra tang or Pink Lady for a rosy hue; just be sure to use apples that hold their shape when baked.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended, as it ensures a smooth, soft bite and a refined appearance, but feel free to leave the peels on for more rustic charm and color — just scrub the apples well beforehand.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Pricking the center with a fork before adding apples prevents excess puffing and helps the base bake evenly. For extra insurance, you can sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds over the pastry before arranging the apples, which soaks up any juices.

Can I make Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the tart earlier in the day, then refresh it in the oven for a few minutes before serving. However, for the best texture, it’s loveliest enjoyed freshly baked and still slightly warm.

Is it possible to make this tart vegan?

Absolutely! Simply choose a vegan puff pastry (many brands use vegetable fats), swap in plant-based butter, and glaze with a vegan-friendly apricot preserve for a delightful plant-based version of Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart.

Final Thoughts

Once you take your first buttery, fragrant bite, it’s easy to see why Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart has captivated dessert lovers everywhere. There’s a pure, old-world elegance in every slice — and now, with this simple guide, a taste of Paris can be yours anytime. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable classic!

Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of Michel Roux Jr’s Puff Pastry Apple Tart. This elegant and easy-to-make dessert features crisp puff pastry topped with thinly sliced apples, brushed with butter and sugar, then glazed with apricot jam. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (about 10x10 inches, thawed if frozen)

Apples:

2 to 3 apples (Golden Delicious or Braeburn, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

Other:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon apricot jam (warmed and strained)
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Pastry: Place the puff pastry on the baking sheet, score a border, and prick the center with a fork.
Arrange Apples: Layer apple slices within the border, brush with butter, and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and the apples are tender.
Glaze and Serve: Brush apples with warmed apricot jam, cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.