If you’re looking for a recipe that blends sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a way that just knocks your socks off, then you need to try this Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe. I absolutely love how this tart comes together—flaky puff pastry loaded up with creamy brie, sweet apples, and deeply caramelized onions, all brightened up with juicy pomegranate arils and a drizzle of tart pomegranate molasses. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to share it at every gathering because it feels fancy but is surprisingly easy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Uses store-bought puff pastry to give that wow-factor with minimal fuss.
- Flavor Harmony: The sweetness of caramelized onions and apples perfectly balances creamy brie and tangy pomegranate.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious served warm or at room temperature, making it great for any occasion.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The pop of ruby red pomegranate arils and glossy molasses drizzle makes this tart absolutely stunning on the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in such a harmonious way. The rich brie and caramelized onions create an indulgent base, while crisp apples add freshness, and the pomegranate toppings provide a delightful burst of color and tartness. When picking your ingredients, aim for ripe but firm apples, and don’t skip the pomegranate molasses—it really brings the whole tart together.
- Sweet Onions: Look for large, sweet varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best caramelizing results.
- Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to add subtle fruitiness to the onions.
- Butter: Adds richness to help the onions caramelize beautifully.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for both seasoning the onions and balancing flavors throughout.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: Thawed, but still cool to the touch—this is your flaky crust magic.
- Apples: Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady work well to balance creaminess.
- Brie Cheese: Whole wheel or wedge, sliced thin for even melting and gooey texture.
- Egg: For the egg wash to get that gorgeous golden crust.
- Pomegranate Arils: Fresh, juicy seeds that add crunch and pop of color.
- Pomegranate Molasses: The secret weapon—thick and tangy syrup that gives a beautiful glaze and tart finish.
Variations
I love how flexible this Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe is—you can tweak it to fit your mood, the season, or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Cheese Swap: I tried it with goat cheese instead of brie once, and the tangy cheese gave it a lovely twist that my family adored.
- Nutty Crunch: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans on top before baking adds a beautiful texture contrast that’s worth trying.
- Herb Infusion: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on the onions while caramelizing adds a wonderful aromatic layer.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan puff pastry, swap brie for cashew cheese, and a flax egg wash for an equally decadent dish.
How to Make Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
Step 1: Slow-Caramelize Those Sweet Onions
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Toss in your thinly sliced sweet onions with a big pinch of kosher salt. This is where patience pays off—stir often and keep the heat low to prevent burning. You’re aiming for a soft, caramel-laden, golden-brown finish, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes. I usually keep my onions cooking on low and adjust heat if they start browning too fast. This slow process really brings out their natural sweetness, and it’s worth every minute.
Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry Base
While your onions work their magic, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out your thawed puff pastry on the sheet. Here’s a fun tip: I sometimes cut extra puff pastry into strips, twist them, and add along the edges for a fancy braided border—but don’t feel like you need to do this. The pastry will puff beautifully all on its own!
Step 3: Layer On the Magic
Spread those luscious caramelized onions evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border all around. Next, layer on thin slices of brie cheese—cover as much as you can for that dreamy melted texture. Top it all off with your thin apple slices, arranging them neatly so each bite has some apple’s crunch and sweetness. If you like, add a little sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper here. Finally, brush the exposed pastry edges with your egg wash to nail that golden crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Puffy
Pop your tart in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a puffed, golden pastry with bubbly melted cheese peeking through. Keep an eye on it—ovens vary, and you don’t want your edges to over-brown. When it’s ready, take it out and let it rest for a couple of minutes before the next step.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches – Pomegranate Magic
Sprinkle a generous handful of fresh pomegranate arils over the top—they add such a beautiful jewel-like touch and a burst of juicy crunch. Then drizzle pomegranate molasses across the tart for a glossy, slightly tart finish that really pulls all the flavors together. Slice it up and serve warm. You’ll be amazed at how all these elements come together in perfect harmony!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
- Low and Slow Caramelizing: I learned that rushing the onions at high heat only leads to bitterness—keep the heat low and stir often for silky sweet caramelization.
- Keep Pastry Cold Initially: Make sure your puff pastry is cool when you lay it out to prevent premature puffing before baking.
- Slice Apples Thinly: Thin apple slices cook evenly and blend better with the cheese and onions without making the tart soggy.
- Don’t Overload Toppings: Too many toppings weigh down the puff pastry—aim for a balanced layer for the perfect crispness.
How to Serve Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with fresh pomegranate arils on top for that fresh burst of color and flavor, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of green and a subtle herbal note. It just wakes the tart up visually and aroma-wise. A light drizzle of extra pomegranate molasses right before serving adds an extra tangy zing that seals the deal.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette—something crisp and fresh to balance the richness. It also works wonderfully alongside a bowl of roasted root vegetables or a light soup like butternut squash or carrot ginger. For casual dinners, I love serving it with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve cut the tart into small squares and arranged them on a wooden board with scattered pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs. Another time, I made mini tarts using puff pastry rounds—perfect bite-sized appetizers that disappeared fast! If you want to dress it up, a dusting of flaky sea salt over the top before serving adds a lovely crunch and depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe keep well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. I recommend storing them in an airtight container to preserve that flaky crust. When I’ve reheated slices, they still taste delicious if you take the time to warm them properly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen unbaked tarts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then baked them straight from the freezer when I needed a quick meal. The crust still puffs nicely, and the flavors hold up really well. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes to crisp the pastry again without drying out the filling. Microwaving ruins the texture, so I avoid that. If you plan ahead, reheating gently in the oven restores that fresh-baked feel perfectly.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie in this tart?
Absolutely! Brie works beautifully because it melts creamy and mild, but you can substitute with camembert, goat cheese, or even a mild fontina. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements both sweet and savory flavors.
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Is puff pastry the only crust option for this recipe?
Puff pastry is ideal here for its light, flaky texture, but if you prefer, you could experiment with a savory pie crust or even phyllo dough layers. Just keep in mind that baking times and texture will vary slightly.
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How do I prevent the onions from burning during caramelization?
Caramelizing onions requires patience and low heat. Stir frequently and reduce heat if you see any signs of browning too quickly. Adding a pinch of salt helps draw out moisture and soften them slowly.
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Can I prepare parts of this tart ahead of time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Also, slice the apples just before assembly to prevent browning. As mentioned earlier, you can assemble the entire tart and freeze it for baking later.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe has become one of my go-to show-stoppers whenever I want to impress without stress. The mix of flavors feels gourmet, but it’s so straightforward to make that you’ll feel confident every step of the way. I really hope you give it a try—it’s one of those dishes that brings people back to the table with smiles and second helpings. Let me know how yours turns out!
PrintApple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Arils and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart is a deliciously elegant dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions and apples with creamy brie cheese, all baked within a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. Finished with fresh pomegranate arils and a drizzle of tangy pomegranate molasses, this tart is perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a light meal, best served warm to enjoy the melty cheese and balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
Tart Base and Toppings
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces brie cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, beaten together for egg wash
- ⅓ cup pomegranate arils
- Pomegranate molasses, for drizzling
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a big pinch of kosher salt, stirring to combine. Cook the onions, stirring often, until they become soft and caramel-colored, which should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent burning and allow the onions to slowly develop sweetness. They do not need to be fully caramelized as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the thawed sheet of puff pastry flat on the parchment. For an optional decorative touch, cut an additional sheet of puff pastry into strips and twist them to decorate the edges of the tart, but this step is not required.
- Assemble the Tart: Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the puff pastry sheet. Layer the thin slices of brie cheese on top of the onions followed by the thinly sliced apples. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash made from beaten egg and water to achieve a shiny, golden crust during baking.
- Bake the Tart: Place the assembled tart into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with fresh pomegranate arils. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses for a sweet and tangy finish. Slice and serve warm. This tart can also be served at room temperature and leftovers can be gently reheated in a low oven for a few minutes.
Notes
- The caramelized onions add deep, sweet flavor but can be carefully watched and adjusted for tenderness during cooking.
- Thin slicing the apples and brie helps ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.
- Using pomegranate arils and molasses adds a festive color and a bright contrast to the sweetness of the tart.
- If puff pastry is not available, a homemade or different store-bought flaky pastry can be substituted.
- This tart is best served warm but is also delicious at room temperature.
- Reheat leftovers in a low oven rather than a microwave to preserve the pastry’s texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of tart
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg