3-Ingredient Apple Tart: The Lazy Cook’s Secret
Confession: I once served this at a dinner party and got asked, “Where’s the bakery?” Joke’s on them—this 3-Ingredient Apple Tart is so easy, it should almost be illegal. Flaky puff pastry, caramelized apples, and a sprinkle of sugar are all you need to create a dessert that’s equal parts rustic and elegant. Perfect for when you want to fake being fancy (we won’t tell).
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Key Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Apple Tart
- Puff pastry: The cheat code for flaky, buttery layers without the work. Keep it cold until use!
- Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold shape when baked.
- Sugar: Just enough to caramelize the apples and crisp the pastry. Bonus: A post-bake dusting makes it sparkle.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Tart
Unroll, arrange, bake. Seriously, that’s it! The oven does the heavy lifting, transforming humble ingredients into a golden, Instagram-worthy tart.
🔥 Pro move: Brush the edges with melted butter for extra flakiness.
Variations & Pairings
- Savory twist: Skip sugar, add goat cheese and thyme before baking.
- Fall vibes: Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with salted caramel post-bake.
- Pair with 5-Minute Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream for extra luxury.
- Serve on a marble pastry board for Parisian café vibes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✖ Soggy bottom: Don’t skip parchment paper—it’s the barrier between crisp pastry and a sad, sticky pan.
✖ Overcrowding apples: Leave space between slices so they caramelize, not steam.
✖ Thawing pastry too long: It’s harder to work with when warm. 30 minutes at room temp is perfect.
Tips and Tricks
✔ Slice apples thinly (1/8-inch) for even baking—use a mandoline if you’re extra.
✔ Egg wash the edges for a deeper golden crust (butter works too!).
✔ Serve warm—this tart is best the day it’s made.
Final Thoughts
This tart is proof that less is more – minimal effort, maximum wow factor. Make it for your next brunch or “I deserve dessert” night, and prepare for compliments. Tag me on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!
3-Ingredient Apple Tart: Dessert Magic for the Lazy Gourmet
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 2 medium apples thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for extra richness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry slightly and place on baking sheet. Arrange apple slices in overlapping rows, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle sugar evenly over apples. Fold edges of pastry over apples to create a rustic border.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry is golden and apples are tender. Optional: Dot with butter in last 5 minutes for extra shine.
- Let cool 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- Store leftovers (ha!) at room temp for 1 day or reheated in the oven.
- No puff pastry? Use pie crust, but adjust baking time.
- For extra shine, brush baked tart with apricot jam mixed with water.
3-Ingredient Apple Tart FAQs
Can I use frozen apples?
Fresh is best—frozen apples release too much water and make the pastry soggy.
How do I prevent the pastry from puffing too much?
Prick the center with a fork before adding apples (but avoid the edges so they rise).
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 2 hours, then bake as directed.
🛒 Recommended Kitchen Must-Haves
- Non-stick baking sheet for easy cleanup
- Mandoline slicer for paper-thin apple perfection
- Pastry brush for glazing edges
Craving more unbelievably easy treats? Try our 3-Ingredient Lemon Mousse, 3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies or 3-Ingredient Avocado Chocolate Mousse
