Glistening Apple & Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts
Delight in these exquisitely crafted Apple & Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts, where buttery, flaky puff pastry meets tangy lemon curd and sweet apple slices. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or an indulgent tea-time treat, these tarts combine simplicity with gourmet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
puff pastry
375 g (unroll and cut into rectangles)
lemon curd
7 tablespoons (warm with water for glaze)
apples
4 (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
double cream
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C) or gas mark 7. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with nonstick baking paper.
2
Unroll the puff pastry on a clean surface. Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles. Using a sharp knife, gently score a 5mm (1/4 inch) border around the edges of each rectangle. Arrange the pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheets.
3
Spread 1/2 tablespoon of lemon curd in the center of each pastry rectangle, ensuring you stay within the scored borders.
4
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Arrange the slices on each pastry piece, allowing the edges to slightly overlap and stand upright, leaving the borders clear.
5
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the pastry has turned a golden brown.
6
While the tarts are baking, prepare a glaze by gently heating the remaining 3 tablespoons of lemon curd with 2 teaspoons of water in a small saucepan until just runny.
7
Remove the tarts from the oven. Use a pastry brush to apply the warm lemon curd glaze over the apples and the edges of the pastry.
8
Allow the tarts to cool slightly, then serve warm with a generous dollop of double cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Glistening Apple & Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts?
They are an elegant dessert made by combining flaky puff pastry with tangy lemon curd and sweet apple slices.
How many tarts does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 8 individual tarts.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 220 degrees C (fan 200 degrees C) or gas mark 7.
How long do the tarts need to bake?
The tarts should bake for 15-18 minutes until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown.
What type of pastry is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 375 grams of puff pastry.
How should I prepare the pastry rectangles?
Unroll the pastry and cut it into 8 equal rectangles, then score a 5mm border around the edges of each.
Why do I need to score a border on the pastry?
Scoring the border allows the edges of the puff pastry to rise around the filling while keeping the center flat.
How much lemon curd is placed inside each tart?
Spread 1/2 tablespoon of lemon curd in the center of each pastry rectangle.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and thinly sliced before being placed on the pastry.
What is the best way to arrange the apple slices?
Arrange the slices in the center of the pastry, allowing the edges to slightly overlap and stand upright.
How is the tart glaze made?
The glaze is made by gently heating 3 tablespoons of lemon curd with 2 teaspoons of water until runny.
When should I apply the glaze?
Apply the warm lemon curd glaze immediately after removing the tarts from the oven.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
Serve the tarts warm with a dollop of double cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, high-quality store-bought lemon curd works perfectly for both the filling and the glaze.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, provided the puff pastry and lemon curd you use do not contain animal-derived fats or thickeners.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, pears or peaches would work well as substitutes for the apples in this tart recipe.
Which apples are best for these tarts?
Firm, tart-sweet apples like Braeburn, Gala, or Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape during baking.
Do I have to peel the apples?
The recipe recommends peeling the apples for a more refined texture and professional appearance.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Baking at a high temperature and ensuring the apples are sliced thinly helps the pastry crisp up properly.
Can these be prepared in advance?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the pastry and apples a few hours ahead; however, wait to bake until serving.
Can I freeze these tarts?
It is not recommended to freeze them once baked, as the puff pastry will lose its crispness.
What if I don't have a fan oven?
Simply use the standard 220 degrees C setting or gas mark 7 as specified in the instructions.
How do I know when the tarts are finished?
The pastry should be puffed and golden brown, and the apples should look soft and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Can I use a block of puff pastry instead of pre-rolled?
Yes, just roll the block out to a similar thickness before cutting into the 8 rectangles.
What can I use instead of double cream?
Crème fraîche or Greek yogurt can provide a tangy alternative to double cream.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, children usually enjoy the sweet and tangy combination, and they can help with the glaze.
Can I add spices to the apples?
A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples before baking adds a warm, spicy flavor.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat them in a hot oven for 5 minutes to restore the crispness of the pastry.
Are these tarts suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, their glistening appearance and gourmet flavor profile make them an excellent choice for entertaining.
How many baking sheets are needed?
You will need two baking sheets lined with nonstick baking paper to accommodate all 8 tarts.