If you’re searching for a dessert that’s effortless yet utterly charming, these Apricot Tarts are about to become your new go-to treat! With flaky puff pastry, juicy apricots, a shimmer of jam glaze, and just a kiss of vanilla, each tart delivers that perfect balance of crisp, sweet, and tart. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, finishing a cozy dinner, or simply craving a luscious bite with your afternoon tea, Apricot Tarts will win hearts in every season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple, staple ingredients come together here, but every single one adds its own magic—bringing texture, color, and bright flavor to life. Let’s break down what goes into making these delightful Apricot Tarts a standout:
- Puff pastry: Store-bought or homemade, it creates that irresistible buttery, flaky base with minimal fuss.
- Fresh apricots: These bring natural sweetness and a lovely tang, complimenting the rich pastry beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled over the fruit, this enhances the apricots’ ambrosial flavor and helps caramelize the tops.
- Apricot jam: Brushed on after baking for a glossy finish and a boost of sweet-tart flavor.
- Water: Thins out the jam so you can easily brush it over the fruit.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, aromatic depth that rounds out the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the pastry a golden, crisp edge once baked.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting of this turns the tarts into pure magic for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Make Apricot Tarts
Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Roll out your sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, just to smooth it out, then cut it into six equal rectangles. Lay them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
Step 2: Create the Tart Borders
With a sharp knife, score a border about half an inch from the edge of each rectangle—be careful not to cut all the way through! This creates that beautiful, puffy crust edge that rises up as a frame for your fruit.
Step 3: Add the Apricots
Arrange your halved and pitted fresh apricots (always cut side up for maximum juiciness) inside the scored borders. Tuck them in snugly but don’t overload—it’s all about a pretty presentation and even baking!
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Time to bring out maximum flavor! Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with melted butter. While you’re at it, stir together the granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl, then generously sprinkle it over your apricots. This step is what makes Apricot Tarts truly fragrant and golden.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, keeping a close eye. Once the pastry is deeply golden and the apricots are bubbling gently, you know it’s time to pull them out. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure summer joy!
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
While the tarts are baking, gently heat the apricot jam with a tablespoon of water in a small saucepan, stirring until smooth. As soon as the tarts emerge from the oven, brush the apricots with this warm glaze. This step adds a pretty, glossy sheen and an extra punch of fruity flavor. Let the tarts cool slightly, then finish with a dusting of powdered sugar if you love a touch of elegance.
How to Serve Apricot Tarts
Garnishes
A classic dusting of powdered sugar always gives Apricot Tarts that bakery-style look, but don’t stop there! Add a scatter of toasted sliced almonds or crushed pistachios for crunch and color. A few mint leaves are lovely for a fresh pop of green on each tart.
Side Dishes
These tarts pair beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving a brunch spread, offer them alongside Greek yogurt, honey, and a handful of berries for a bright, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Apricot Tarts the star of the show? Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter or a pastel cake stand. For a festive touch, serve each tart nestled in a parchment paper square tied with baking twine. You can also slice the tarts into smaller pieces for easy, elegant pass-around bites at a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apricot Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to three days. The pastry may soften slightly over time, but a quick reheat can freshen them right up.
Freezing
If you want to save extras for another time, let the tarts cool completely, then wrap each tart tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Store them in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To restore that beautiful crispness, place chilled or thawed Apricot Tarts on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen apricots instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Both canned and frozen apricots work well—just make sure to drain them thoroughly (and pat dry if using canned) to avoid soggy pastry.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Use a plant-based butter substitute for brushing the pastry, and check that your puff pastry is dairy-free (many store-bought options are already vegan-friendly).
Can I prepare Apricot Tarts in advance?
You can prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate the assembled, unbaked tarts for a few hours. Bake them right before serving for that fresh, crisp pastry.
What other fruits can I use for these tarts?
Feel like experimenting? Peaches, plums, nectarines, or even thinly sliced apples or pears are wonderful substitutions or additions to apricot tarts.
Is it possible to make mini versions of Apricot Tarts?
Yes! Simply cut the puff pastry into smaller squares or circles and use one apricot half per piece for adorable, bite-size tarts—perfect for parties and dessert trays.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Apricot Tarts and share them with your favorite people. They’re everything I love in a dessert: simple, gorgeous, and full of sunshine flavor. Give the recipe a try and let these tarts bring a bright, sweet moment to your table!
Print
Apricot Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and flavorful apricot tarts made with puff pastry, fresh apricots, and a sweet apricot jam glaze. These elegant tarts are perfect for a summer dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Fresh Apricots:
- 8 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apricot Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, cut into rectangles, score borders, and place on the baking sheet.
- Assemble Tarts: Arrange apricot halves on the pastry, brush edges with butter, sprinkle with sugar mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Make Glaze: Warm apricot jam and water, brush over baked tarts.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh apricots with canned or frozen (thawed and well-drained) if fresh are not available.
- Try adding chopped pistachios or almonds on top for extra texture and flavor.
- For a richer option, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
