Barefoot Contessa French Apple Tart Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both beautiful and simple, Ina Garten’s French Apple Tart is a classic choice. Made with a crisp puff pastry base, thinly sliced apples, and a glossy apricot glaze, this tart is rustic in style but refined in flavor—ideal for holidays, brunches, or a cozy weekend bake.

What Is Barefoot Contessa French Apple Tart?

This tart features store-bought puff pastry as the base, topped with thinly sliced apples arranged in a beautiful spiral or layered pattern. It’s baked until golden and crisp, then brushed with apricot jam for shine and sweetness. No need for pie crusts or custards—this is a light, flaky dessert that lets the apples shine.

Other Ina Garten Dessert Recipes

• Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake
• Ina Garten Coconut Cupcakes
• Ina Garten Deep Dish Apple Pie
• Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars

Reasons to Try Barefoot Contessa French Apple Tart

• Visually stunning yet easy to make – No fancy tools required
• Light and crisp – A refreshing alternative to heavy pies
• Store-bought puff pastry saves time – Elegant with minimal effort
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart – Apples, sugar, and jam work together
• Make-ahead friendly – Great for prepping early and baking later
• Ideal for seasonal fruit – Best with fresh fall apples
• Barefoot Contessa-tested – Elegant, reliable, and delicious

Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa French Apple Tart

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (such as Pepperidge Farm), thawed
• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• ½ cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons Calvados, rum, or water (to thin jam)
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for flavor

Instructions to Prepare Barefoot Contessa French Apple Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Roll the puff pastry slightly to smooth the edges and place it on the pan. Use a knife to score a ½-inch border around the edges without cutting through the dough.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Cut apples in half and remove the cores. Slice them very thinly (⅛-inch thick) with a sharp knife or mandoline.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Starting just inside the scored edge, arrange the apple slices overlapping in rows or a spiral pattern. Continue until the pastry is filled. Sprinkle the apples evenly with sugar and brush the melted butter on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the apples are tender. Don’t worry if the edges get dark—this adds caramelized flavor.

Step 5: Glaze the Tart

While the tart bakes, heat the apricot jam with Calvados (or water) in a small saucepan until melted and smooth. Strain if needed.

When the tart comes out of the oven, brush the hot jam over the apples and edges to give it a glossy finish.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the tart cool to room temperature before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

What to Serve With French Apple Tart

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream – Classic pairing
• Caramel drizzle or sauce – Adds indulgence
• A scoop of mascarpone or crème fraîche – Elegant twist
• Fresh berries on the side – Adds color and balance
• A cup of coffee or tea – Perfect for dessert or brunch
• Cinnamon-spiced cream – To accent the apple flavor
• Chilled white wine or cider – Great with fruity desserts

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith – Keeps balance and structure
• Slice apples uniformly – Ensures even cooking and presentation
• Don’t overload the tart with apples – Keeps it crisp
• Score the pastry edge properly – Helps create a raised border
• Brush butter evenly – Encourages browning and flavor
• Use a rimmed sheet pan – To catch any caramelized overflow
• Glaze while the tart is still hot – Absorbs better and adds shine

Variations of the Recipe

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg – Warmer flavor profile
• Mix in a few pears – For a different fruit texture
• Use fig or raspberry jam instead of apricot – A fresh twist
• Top with sliced almonds before baking – Adds crunch
• Swap apples for plums or peaches – Great for summer
• Add lemon zest to the glaze – For brightness
• Serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup – Natural sweetness

How to Store Leftovers

• Store at room temperature for up to 1 day – Covered loosely
• Refrigerate in an airtight container – For up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F – To revive crispness
• Avoid the microwave – It softens the pastry
• Do not freeze assembled tart – Puff pastry loses texture
• Freeze sliced raw apples separately – If prepping ahead
• Best served fresh – For optimal texture and flavor

How Do I Reuse French Apple Tart?

• Warm slices and top with ice cream – Instant dessert
• Serve with yogurt for breakfast – Light and sweet combo
• Turn leftovers into parfaits – Layer with whipped cream or pudding
• Cut into strips for dipping – With caramel or chocolate sauce
• Top with toasted nuts – For added texture
• Pair with a cheese plate – Apples and cheese go well together
• Make into mini tarts – Trim leftovers with a cookie cutter

Nutritional Value (per slice, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this tart?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe. Ina Garten often uses brands like Pepperidge Farm to simplify prep without sacrificing quality.

What kind of apples work best for this tart?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their firm texture and tart flavor, which balance well with the sweetness of the glaze.

Do I need to pre-cook the apples before baking?

No, the apples bake directly on the pastry. Slicing them thinly ensures they become tender and caramelized in the oven.

How do I keep the tart from getting soggy?

Avoid overloading the pastry with apples, and slice them thinly. Baking until golden and brushing the glaze while the tart is hot helps maintain crispness.

Final Words

Barefoot Contessa’s French Apple Tart is a timeless, simple dessert that delivers on both presentation and flavor. It’s a great way to highlight seasonal apples and impress guests without a lot of fuss. Crisp, golden, and sweet with a hint of tartness—this is Ina Garten baking at its finest.

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