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3-Ingredient Caramel Apple Tart

3.2

(9)

Rectangular apple tart in a pan with a side of fresh whipped cream
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Hampton

In Epi's 3-Ingredient Recipes series, we show you how to make great food with just three ingredients (plus staples like oil, salt, and pepper).

Store-bought caramel sauce and frozen puff pastry are the secrets to a showstopping Thanksgiving dessert that you can make in under an hour. For an extra flourish, serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour

  • Yield

    Serves 8–10

Ingredients

1 (14–17-ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 cup store-bought caramel sauce, divided
5 large apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and/or Cortland), cored, cut into 1/4" slices (about 2 1/2 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 400°F. Arrange puff pastry sheets next to each other on parchment so that longer sides are touching. Pinch seam together and gently roll to an 18x13" rectangle. Transfer with parchment to a rimmed baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1/2" border around pastry (for a decorative border, make small shallow diagonal cuts with a paring knife).

    Step 2

    Heat caramel in a small bowl in a microwave on high until smooth and pourable, about 30 seconds, or heat in a small pot over medium, stirring occasionally, until smooth and runny, about 5 minutes. Transfer 1 Tbsp. caramel to another small bowl; set aside.

    Step 3

    Toss apples and salt in a large bowl. Pour remaining caramel over and toss to combine.

    Step 4

    Arrange apple slices in 4 tight, overlapping rows on pastry, leaving a 1/2" border on all sides. Drizzle with any remaining caramel left in bowl.

    Step 5

    Bake tart until crust and edges of apples are golden brown, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

    Step 6

    Add 1 Tbsp. hot water to reserved caramel in small bowl, whisk to combine, and brush over apples with a pastry brush. Cut into pieces to serve.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 7

    Tart can be made 6 hours ahead; store uncovered at room temperature and brush with glaze just before serving.

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