This Caramel Apple Tart is a tasty treat that combines sweet, juicy apples with a smooth caramel layer. All baked inside a flaky, golden crust, it’s pure comfort!
Trust me, I can’t resist the smell of this tart baking in the oven. It makes my kitchen feel like a cozy bakery! Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a sweet finish—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your crust. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I’ve found that these blends can work quite well!
Apples: Granny Smith gives that tart flavor while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Feel free to mix different varieties or use whatever you have on hand—just aim for a balance of sweet and tart!
Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and caramel sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or brown sugar can work well, just keep in mind it may affect the color and flavor slightly.
Butter: This adds richness to the crust and caramel. If you want a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Heavy cream: Needed for the caramel sauce. If you need a lighter option, try using half-and-half. Coconut cream is another good alternative if you’re dairy-free.
How to Get the Perfect Crust?
Making a crust can seem tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! Start with cold butter and keep it as cold as possible throughout the mixing process. Here’s how:
- Mix the flour, sugar, and salt first—this ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- When cutting in the butter, aim for pea-sized pieces. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Add ice water little by little; overmixing the dough can make it tough.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps maintain its shape while baking.
What’s the Best Way to Make Caramel Sauce?
Caramel can be tricky, but here’s the secret to success. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and heat the sugar slowly:
- Constant stirring is a must until the sugar melts into a deep amber color. Stay patient!
- When adding butter, whisk quickly to incorporate. Be careful of splatters!
- Pour in the cream slowly while whisking to avoid hot sugar bubbling over. This is when it gets frothy!
- Let it cool slightly before using, which allows it to thicken a bit more.
With these tips and insights, you’re all set to make a delicious Caramel Apple Tart that will impress everyone at your table!
Delicious Caramel Apple Tart Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 to 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)
For Garnishing (optional):
- Shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful tart takes about 25 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to bake and cool, making it perfect for an afternoon dessert or a special gathering. Overall, you should set aside about 1 hour and 25 minutes to prepare, bake, and let it cool down.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together. Add in the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Turn the dough onto a clean surface and gently knead it into a ball. Flatten it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apples:
While your dough chills, toss the sliced apples in a large bowl with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and sugar. This helps the apples soak in flavor. Set this bowl aside to marinate while you finish other tasks.
3. Roll Out and Bake the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place the dough into a 9 or 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it into the pan and trimming any excess. Prick the bottom of the crust a few times with a fork. Next, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights, and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Arrange the Apples:
Now it’s time to take your marinated apples and arrange them on the partially baked crust. You can place them in a circular pattern or create any design that looks appealing to you. Have fun with this step!
5. Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly until it liquefies and turns a deep amber color—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn! Once the sugar is melted, add the butter and whisk until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Caution: the mixture will bubble up! Stir in salt if you’re making salted caramel and cook for another minute until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Assemble and Bake the Tart:
Drizzle some of the warm caramel sauce over the arranged apples. Bake the tart in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
7. Finish and Serve:
After the tart has cooled, feel free to drizzle more caramel sauce over the top. If desired, you can also sprinkle it with shredded coconut or nuts for added texture and flavor. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Enjoy your beautifully crafted Caramel Apple Tart!
Take each bite and savor the deliciously tender apples mingled with buttery caramel and flaky crust. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices, you can mix different apple varieties or use whatever you have on hand. Just aim for a good balance of sweet and tart flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at a low temperature or briefly microwave it for a warm dessert experience.
Can I Prepare the Tart Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the crust and caramel sauce a day in advance. Assemble the tart and bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers can also be enjoyed for days after!
Can I Make the Caramel Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make the caramel sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm and pourable.
