Apple Puff Pastry Tart with Yogurt Cream Filling

This Apple Puff Pastry Tart with Yogurt Cream Filling is an elegant and delicious dessert that combines the crispiness of puff pastry, the natural sweetness of apples, and the creamy richness of a yogurt-based filling. With a balance of textures and flavors, it makes for the perfect treat to serve on special occasions or whenever you’re craving a light yet indulgent dessert. The yogurt cream filling gives the tart a refreshing twist, making it stand out from traditional pastry tarts.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Layers:

2 sheets of puff pastry (each 250 g / 8.8 oz) – These create the crispy, flaky base for the tart. You can use store-bought puff pastry to save time.
1 teaspoon sugar – For dusting each puff pastry sheet to enhance the golden, crispy finish.

For the Apple Filling:

3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced – Apples are the star of this dessert, providing natural sweetness and a slight tartness to balance the richness of the filling.
3 tablespoons butter (90 g) – For caramelizing the apples and adding a rich, buttery flavor.
2 tablespoons sugar (45 g) – To sweeten the apples as they cook and help with caramelization.

For the Yogurt Cream Filling:

2 cups yogurt (480 g) – Full-fat yogurt works best here for a creamy texture. It’s the base of the filling and adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml / 8 fl oz) – For richness and a smooth, velvety texture.
3 tablespoons condensed milk (90 g) – Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the creaminess of the yogurt filling.

1 tablespoon agar agar (10 g / 0.35 oz) – A plant-based gelling agent used to set the yogurt cream filling without the need for gelatin.

Directions

Prepare the First Puff Pastry Layer:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that the puff pastry bakes evenly and crisps up perfectly.
Place one puff pastry sheet into a 24 cm (9.5-inch) tart mold, trimming the edges if necessary to fit. This will serve as the base of your tart.

Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar to give the pastry a sweet, golden finish as it bakes.
Bake for 18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffy. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.

Cook the Apples:

In a medium pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the 3 sliced apples and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir gently to coat the apples in the butter and sugar.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized. This process will enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
Once the apples are done, set them aside to cool.

Prepare the Second Puff Pastry Layer:

Place the second puff pastry sheet on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar to ensure it bakes up beautifully golden and sweet.
Bake for 18 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or until golden and puffed. Let it cool once out of the oven.

Make the Yogurt Cream Filling:

In a saucepan, combine the 2 cups of yogurt, 1 cup of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of agar agar.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil.
Allow the mixture to cool for 6-8 minutes at room temperature until it starts to thicken. It should have a creamy, pudding-like consistency. If it sets too quickly, gently reheat it until it becomes pourable.

Assemble the Tart:

Place the first baked puff pastry sheet into the tart mold. This will be your base layer.
Layer the caramelized apples on top of the pastry sheet. Arrange the apple slices evenly to create a beautiful layer.
Gradually pour the yogurt cream mixture over the apples. Pour slowly to ensure the cream seals the contour of the pastry well, filling the gaps around the apples.
Refrigerate the tart for 1 hour to allow the yogurt cream filling to set. This will help it hold together when you slice into it.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled: This tart is best served chilled, with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness and a touch of indulgence.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert’s creamy texture and flavor.
Fresh mint leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the tart.

Cooking Tips:

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture. These apples hold up well during cooking and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
Allow the yogurt mixture to cool slightly before pouring it over the apples and puff pastry to avoid melting the layers.
Reheat gently if the agar agar sets too quickly. Simply warm it on low heat to return it to a pourable consistency.

Nutritional Benefits:

Yogurt and cream provide a rich source of calcium and protein, supporting bone health and overall wellness.
Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which help promote digestive health and combat oxidative stress in the body.
This tart is lower in refined sugar compared to many traditional tarts, making it a healthier dessert option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Yes, you can use other fruits such as pears, peaches, or plums. Keep in mind that different fruits may have varying moisture content and sweetness, so you might need to adjust the sugar and cooking times accordingly.

2. Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes! This tart can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just ensure it’s covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

You can use honey, maple syrup, or stevia as alternatives to refined sugar. However, be mindful of the consistency of the filling, as liquid sweeteners may alter the texture. You may need to adjust the quantities and cooking time slightly.

4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

To prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy, it’s essential to bake it fully before adding the yogurt filling. You can also brush the baked puff pastry layers with a thin coat of melted butter or egg wash before baking to create a protective barrier.

5. Can I use store-bought yogurt?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought full-fat yogurt. Just make sure to choose a yogurt that is thick and creamy for the best results.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The puff pastry may lose its crispiness over time, but the tart will still be delicious. If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat individual slices in the oven for a few minutes.

7. Can I make this tart gluten-free?

To make this tart gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

8. Can I freeze this tart?

While the tart can be frozen, the puff pastry may lose its flakiness upon thawing. To freeze, wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

This Apple Puff Pastry Tart with Yogurt Cream Filling is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the flaky texture of puff pastry, the sweetness of caramelized apples, and the creamy richness of the yogurt filling. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a dinner party, or just for yourself, this tart is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the fresh, light flavors in every bite!