If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly balances sweet and savory with a touch of elegance, this Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe is a total showstopper. Imagine flaky, buttery crusts filled with caramelized onions, tender apple slices, and gooey brie cheese, all finished off with that luscious drizzle of honey that ties every flavor together. It’s perfect for a cozy gathering, an impressive appetizer, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four small round tarts with golden brown crusts on a white marbled surface covered partly with rustic paper. Each tart has a top layer of thin light yellow apple slices and small bits of dark brown caramelized onions or similar topping, with some herbs sprinkled over. One tart is being drizzled with golden honey from a wooden honey dipper held by a woman's hand above it. Around the tarts are green sprigs of fresh herbs and a glass jar filled with honey in the background. The lighting highlights the shiny honey and the textures of the apples and crusts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each component, from the crisp apples to the silky brie, works together to make these tarts unforgettable.

1 1/4 cups (162 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and flaky crust that holds all the delicious fillings.

1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness of the apples and honey.
1/2 cup (116 g) salted butter, cold and cubed: Creates a rich, flaky texture for the crust when properly cut into the flour.
3 to 4 tbsp (60 ml) ice cold water: Helps bring the dough together without warming up the butter, ensuring flakiness.

1 egg + 1 tbsp (15 ml) for egg wash: Adds structure to the dough and a beautiful golden shine to the crust when baked.
3 tbsp (44 g) salted butter: Used to caramelize the onions and add richness to the filling.
1 small onion, thinly sliced: Slowly cooked to bring out a deep, sweet flavor that complements the apples.

2 tsp (10 g) granulated sugar: Helps caramelize the onions to perfection.
Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the onion’s flavor as it cooks down.
1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth when deglazing the pan with onions.

2 medium sweet apples, peeled and sliced: The star fruit for fruity sweetness and subtle tartness that pairs beautifully with brie.
4 oz (114 g) brie cheese, rind removed and sliced: Provides creamy, melty richness that gently blankets the apples.
1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast on top for complexity.

4 to 6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped: Offers a fragrant herbal note that lifts the entire flavor profile.
Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to finish the tarts with a perfect balance of savory and spice.
3 tbsp (45 ml) honey: The sweet final touch that brings harmony to the entire Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe.

How to Make Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe

Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by combining the all-purpose flour and kosher salt in a bowl. Then, take your cold salted butter cubes and cut them into the flour until the mixture resembles small peas. This ensures flakiness in the pastry. Slowly add the ice cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just holds together. Don’t overwork it! Form the dough into two discs and chill them wrapped in plastic wrap for at least an hour. This resting time makes rolling out easier and keeps the crust tender.

Step 2: Caramelize the onions

While the dough chills, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the thinly sliced onion. Cook until translucent, about five minutes. Add sugar and a pinch of salt, then pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Lower the heat and let the onions cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden and sticky, which should take about 30 minutes. This careful caramelization is where the flavor intensifies and develops the sweet backbone of the filling.

Step 3: Roll and cut the dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Using a 4-inch cutter or bowl, cut out the circles for your tarts. Don’t worry if you need to re-roll scraps; just be gentle. Press each circle into tart pans, fold the edges inward to make a thicker crust rim, and prick the bottoms with a fork. Chill the crusts again for about 20 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Assemble the tarts

Whisk together the egg and a little water to create your egg wash, then brush it onto the chilled crusts. Layer the caramelized onions, apple slices, and brie evenly among the tarts. Don’t hesitate to tuck some apple slices underneath the cheese to create that wonderful interplay of textures and flavors. Finish each tart with a generous pinch of parmesan cheese for that extra savory crunch.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Bake the tarts on the prepared sheets for about 20 to 25 minutes until the crusts are a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts beautifully with a slight hint of browning. This stage brings the whole Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe to life, with aromas that will have everyone’s mouth watering in anticipation.

Step 6: The finishing touches

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper over the warm tarts. Finally, drizzle each tart with honey to add just the right amount of sweetness and shine, making these little beauties irresistible.

How to Serve Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh thyme leaves are a must—they not only add color but impart an herbal brightness that complements the richness of the brie and sweetness of the apples. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper finishes the presentation and tightens all the layers of flavor beautifully. The honey drizzle is what brings everything together, giving a glossy finish and a whisper of sweetness that lingers long after the first bite.

Side Dishes

These tarts pair wonderfully with fresh, vibrant salads. A crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette and toasted walnuts complements the creamy and sweet notes perfectly. You could also serve them alongside a bowl of warm butternut squash soup on a chilly day, making for an elegant and comforting combination that’s great for entertaining or a special weekend meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, serve the tarts on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra honey and thyme sprigs for guests to customize their bites. These tarts can also be cut into bite-sized portions for parties or served alongside a cheese plate featuring other soft cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. The Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe shines when plated with attention to detail, so let your creativity take the lead!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover tarts stay delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure to bring them back to room temperature or gently reheat to restore the flakiness of the crust and the gooey, melty brie texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the fully assembled but unbaked tarts on a lined tray first. Once firm, wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the crust cooks through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and affect the delicate consistency of the cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pie dough instead of making my own crust?

Absolutely! Frozen pie dough is a great shortcut and will still yield delicious results. Just be sure to thaw it properly according to package instructions before rolling and assembling your tarts.

What type of apple is best for this recipe?

Sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are ideal since they provide natural sweetness and hold their shape when baked, balancing nicely against the creamy brie and savory onions.

Can I substitute brie with another cheese?

Yes, you may use camembert or a mild goat cheese for a slightly different but equally delightful flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain that luscious texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

While this classic Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe relies on dairy and honey, you could try vegan butter for the crust, plant-based cheese alternatives, and maple syrup instead of honey, but the flavor and texture will vary significantly.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?

Definitely! Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to bake the tarts.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about the Apple, Brie, and Honey Tarts Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. The combination of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors wrapped in a tender, flaky crust makes it a perfect dish to share with friends and family. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it becoming one of your own treasured favorites in no time.