Upside Down Apple & Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

Name: The Upside Down Apple & Brie Puff Pastry Tarts Our Test Kitchen Calls “Magic”
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/4 cup fig jam (such as Dalmatia) (from 1 [8.5-oz.] jar); 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-hot hot honey (such as Mike’s); 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish; 1 medium (7 1/4-oz.) Gala apple, unpeeled and sliced lengthwise into 1/8-in.-thick slices; 3 ounces Brie, sliced into 12 (1/8-in.-thick) slices; 1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed (from 1 [17.3-oz.] pkg. of 2); 1 large egg, lightly beaten

These delectable upside-down fruit and cheese tarts combine the best elements of a classic baked brie with a hand-held pastry, making them the ideal appetizer for any gathering. Inspired by a viral baking trend, these tarts feature a sweet and spicy flavor profile, perfect for impressing guests during the holiday season. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity easy to assemble yet bursting with upscale flavors that will leave a lasting impression.

Unlike traditional tarts, where the dough is baked on the bottom, these tarts are prepared upside-down. This technique ensures the pastry crisps up perfectly while the fruity fillings caramelize beneath, resulting in a golden, glossy crust that is revealed when flipped. Each bite offers a balance of textures and flavors crisp puff pastry, creamy Brie, sweet fruit, and a hint of spicy honey. Its an unforgettable combination, ideal for any special occasion.

What Are Upside Down Puff Pastry Tarts? These tarts stand out because theyre baked with the pastry on top, allowing it to puff up beautifully and get perfectly crisp. The fruity sugars underneath caramelize as they cook, creating a sticky, glossy finish that makes for a stunning presentation when flipped. The result is a savory-sweet bite that blends rich cheese with a touch of spice from the honey and rosemary.

Ingredients

1/4 cup fig jam (such as Dalmatia, from 1 [8.5-oz.] jar)
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-hot hot honey (such as Mikes)
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
1 medium Gala apple (7 1/4 oz.), unpeeled, sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch thick slices
3 ounces Brie, sliced into 12 (1/8-inch thick) slices
1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed (from 1 [17.3-oz.] pkg. of 2)
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

Step 1: Begin by gathering all the ingredients you need. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a small bowl, stir together the fig jam, hot honey, and chopped rosemary. Set aside.

Step 3: On the parchment paper, draw 6 (3 x 2-inch) rectangles as guides for spreading the fig mixture. Flip the paper over and use these markings as stencils for the fig mixture.

Step 4: Spread 1 teaspoon of the fig mixture onto each of the 6 rectangles, leaving about 2 inches of space between each rectangle.

Step 5: Layer approximately 7 apple slices over each fig mixture rectangle, then place 2 slices of Brie over the apples.

Step 6: Lightly press out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 (3 1/4 x 4 1/2-inch) rectangles. Use a fork to prick the pastry rectangles all over.

Step 7: Place one puff pastry rectangle over each fig-apple-Brie mixture, gently stretching the pastry if necessary. Press down lightly to seal the filling inside.

Step 8: Brush each pastry rectangle with the lightly beaten egg, ensuring an even coating.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and flaky. After 16 minutes of baking, cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 10: Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Flip each tart onto a plate, revealing the beautiful caramelized filling.

Step 11: Serve immediately, drizzling with the remaining fig mixture and sprinkling extra rosemary on top for garnish, if desired.

Test Kitchen Tips

For the crispiest puff pastry, serve the tarts the same day theyre made.
You can prepare the fig mixture up to two weeks in advance to save time.
For easy portioning, use a 2x3-inch rectangle template drawn on parchment paper to guide where to spread the fig mixture.
To create a beautiful design, stack the apple slices before cutting, then arrange them in a cascading pattern on the tarts.
Feel free to swap in different fruit and cheese combinations to suit your taste, such as blue cheese with pears or goat cheese with peaches.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 357
Total Fat: 20g (26% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (25% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 45mg (15% Daily Value)
Sodium: 209mg (9% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 36g (13% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 14g
Protein: 7g (14% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
Calcium: 40mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
Potassium: 103mg (2% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Upside Down Apple & Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

Origin Story

The Upside Down Apple & Brie Puff Pastry Tarts are a modern twist on classic tart recipes, born from a viral food trend on TikTok. The concept of upside-down tarts, where the pastry is baked on top of the filling rather than beneath it, allows for a crispy, golden finish while caramelizing the fruit and spreading its sweet and savory juices. The pairing of apple and brie dates back to French cuisine, where cheese and fruits are often used together to create balanced flavor profiles. This tart takes that tradition further with a sweet fig jam and a dash of spicy honey, making it an exciting and elegant dish perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Regional Features

Although this dish has gained popularity in America and other Western countries, its roots can be traced back to French and Mediterranean culinary practices. The combination of creamy, soft cheese like brie with fresh fruits, particularly apples, is reminiscent of the French cheese platters often served with fruits and nuts. The use of puff pastry, a quintessentially French ingredient, elevates the tart to a refined, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth. Additionally, the spicy-sweet touch of hot honey is a modern American twist that has gained popularity in recent years.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets the Upside Down Apple & Brie Puff Pastry Tarts apart from traditional fruit tarts is the preparation method. Most tarts are assembled with the pastry as the base, but this one flips the script by placing the pastry over the filling. This technique ensures the pastry crisps up beautifully while capturing the caramelized sugars and juices from the figs and apples. Unlike typical tarts that are sweet or savory, this dish offers a complex interplay of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, making it a unique fusion of tastes.

Where to Serve

These tarts are a perfect appetizer for holiday dinners, festive brunches, or any gathering that calls for a sophisticated yet simple treat. The rich and indulgent flavors of brie paired with the sweetness of apples and figs make this dish a crowd-pleaser at parties. They're ideal for serving alongside sparkling wines or light, crisp cocktails, as the buttery pastry and creamy brie complement the acidity of the drinks. You can also serve them as part of a cheese board or a larger spread at an elegant dinner party.

Interesting Facts

1. The viral upside-down puff pastry tart trend on TikTok made these pastries an internet sensation. The clever technique of flipping the pastry not only results in a visually stunning dish but also ensures the pastry retains maximum crispiness.

2. Brie, the star ingredient in this tart, is one of the oldest cheeses in the world. It hails from the le-de-France region of France and has been enjoyed for centuries, often paired with fruits like apples, grapes, and figs.

3. The addition of hot honey to this dish brings a modern twist. Hot honey, infused with chili peppers, provides a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the apples and figs, adding a layer of complexity to the dish.

4. You can easily customize these tarts by swapping the apples for pears, the brie for goat cheese, or adding other fruits like peaches or figs for an even more sophisticated flavor profile.

FAQ about Upside Down Apple & Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

These tarts are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness of the puff pastry. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

Yes, the fig mixture can be prepared ahead of time. You can make it up to two weeks in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Yes, you can swap the Gala apples with other fruits, such as pears, peaches, or even figs. The key is to choose a fruit that holds its shape when baked.

If you don’t have Brie, you can use other soft cheeses like Camembert, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry to make these tarts gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

It’s best to freeze the tarts before baking. Assemble the tarts, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, cook from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.

Yes, you can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of hot honey used. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot honey or replace it with regular honey. For more heat, increase the hot honey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fig mixture.

To make the tarts more visually appealing, you can arrange the apple slices in a cascading pattern, ensuring they overlap slightly. Additionally, you can garnish with fresh rosemary or a drizzle of extra fig mixture before serving.

To avoid soggy pastry, be sure to press the puff pastry down lightly but firmly around the edges to seal it. Also, make sure the fig mixture isn’t too runny, as excess moisture can make the pastry soggy. Bake the tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and to help them crisp up evenly.

While the egg wash helps give the tarts a golden, glossy finish, you can skip it if you prefer. The pastry will still bake up, though it may not be as shiny or as crisp on top.

Comments

Jessica Campbell

12/19/2024 10:03:27 PM

This recipe is perfect for busy nights. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly tasty. The flavors are rich without being overwhelming, and my family loved it. I’ll definitely make this again soon.

Donna Maher

12/25/2023 06:49:36 PM

Tasty but apples took longer to cook than indicated

CopperEel7080

12/01/2023 06:05:01 PM

Haven't made it yet. Can use a bit of ground cayenne pepper in my fig/honey mixture to make up some heat, since I only have regular honey?

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