Puff Pastry Apple and Custard Tarts

These Apple Custard Puff Pastry Pies are basically little tartlets that are shaped like apples and have a creamy custard and slices of red apple on top. The combination of flaky puff pastry, sweet apple, and creamy custard makes these perfect little desserts with a dusting of icing sugar.

To make the tarts, you begin by making a pastry cream on the stove with egg yolks, vanilla, flour, and milk, and cook the mixture until it is a thick and pipeable consistency. Then, the puff pastry gets cut into apple shapes before being topped with custard and apples, and baked in the oven until puffed and golden. These pastries can then be served warm or allowed to cool to room temperature before serving.

What are Apple Custard Pies?

These apple custard pies comprise puff pastry, custard, and fresh apples for a combination of varying textures and flavors. The combination of apples and custard has been popularized through France’s Normandy tart, which is a full-sized tart that is filled with sliced apples and custard. This version is a little different as it makes up mini tarts and the pastry is puff pastry rather than a shortcrust pastry.

Pro Tips

• Before handling the puff pastry, it is best to keep it in the fridge so that it is easier to manage and puffs easily when baked in the oven.
• Make sure you continuously stir the custard on the stove to ensure it doesn’t burn or curdle.
• The custard can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until you are ready to use it in these tarts.
• Piping the custard on the tarts will ensure a neater appearance rather than spooning the custard on top.
• Feel free to replace the vanilla extract in the custard with vanilla bean for a flecked appearance.

What to Serve with Apple Custard Pies?

These apple custard pies are perfect served with cups of coffee or tea. They also would look beautiful garnished with a dusting of icing sugar.

What Types of Apples Should Be Used for Apple Custard Pies?

It is best to choose an apple that will hold its shape during the baking process rather than becoming mushy. Mcintosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Spartan, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith are all good choices.

Can I Replace the Apples with Pears? 

Yes, if you happen to have pears on hand that you would like to use up, they would make a wonderful replacement for apples.

Can I Make the Tarts in a Different Shape?

Yes, while the apple shapes are beautiful for these tarts, you could feel free to make them round or square instead.

How to Store Apple Custard Pies

These apple custard pies should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should keep for 3 or 4 days. It isn’t recommended to freeze them due to their custard filling.

How to Make Apple Custard Pies

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190 C (374 F). In a bowl, whisk the sugar with the egg yolks, flour, and vanilla. Whisk in the hot milk.

Step 2: Pour the mixture in a saucepan and cook it over medium-low heat until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Allow it to cool down completely.

Step 3: Cut the puff pastry into apple shapes and brush them with egg wash.

Step 4: Pipe the custard on top of the tarts.

Step 5: Top the tarts with apple slices and sprinkle them with additional sugar. Bake them for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Serve the apple custard pies on a platter dusted with icing sugar.