Apple Marzipan Puff Pastry Tart

This is a variation on a puff pastry tart recipe: the marzipan adds a sweet extra layer to this dessert. Autumn is the time to try it out when the apples are sweet and crisp. I like using McIntosh apples as they are an excellent baking apple with not too much liquid, but other types like Lobo can be used. This is a super easy recipe for apple pie and makes a spectacular presentation at a dinner party.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 277 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or more to taste
• 1 (4 ounce) package marzipan
• ¾ cup brown sugar, or to taste
• 3 large McIntosh apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
• ¼ cup chopped lightly toasted pecans

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Step 2

Roll puff pastry out into a 14- to 15-inch circle on a floured surface. Place onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

Place marzipan between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and roll into a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Remove plastic wrap and place marzipan in the center of the puff pastry.

Step 4

Toss apples, cornstarch, butter, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Add brown sugar and toss quickly.

Step 5

Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles onto the marzipan, leaving about 3 inches of pastry free at the edges. Pile the apple filling high up in layers and add all the dry bits remaining in the bowl. Sprinkle with pecans.

Step 6

Fold edges of the puff pastry up around the filling, leaving center open and pinching the edges where it overlaps. Press pastry gently around the filling to squeeze out any excess air in between. Brush a little egg around the top.

Step 7

Place in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake until puff pastry is golden brown and apples are fork-tender, 35 to 40 minutes.