Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s simple, visually stunning, aromatic, and adaptable. The crisp crust contrasts beautifully with the soft baked apples, and the tart can be made with store-bought or homemade dough. Perfect for hosting or gifting.
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Apple Tart: A Buttery, Elegant Dessert with Warm, Caramelized Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, elegant apple tart with thinly sliced apples arranged beautifully over a buttery crust and baked until golden with a glossy, sweet finish.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3–4 tbsp ice water
- Filling:
- 3–4 apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Glaze:
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water until dough comes together. Chill 20 minutes.
- Roll dough into a circle and place in a tart pan. Trim edges.
- Prepare apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Toss with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter.
- Arrange apple slices in overlapping circles inside the crust.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until apples are tender and crust is golden.
- Heat apricot jam and water to make glaze; brush over warm tart.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of almond flour under the apples to prevent sogginess.
- Use a store-bought crust for convenience.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Add a splash of Calvados or rum to the glaze for depth.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pie crust or puff pastry
Acts as the delicate, buttery base that crisps beautifully under the apple slices.
Apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
Bring natural sweetness and tartness, baking into tender, flavorful layers.
Sugar
Sprinkled over the apples to enhance sweetness and promote caramelization.
Butter
Dotting the apples with butter helps them become glossy and tender during baking.
Cinnamon
Adds warm, cozy aroma that pairs perfectly with apples.
Vanilla extract (optional)
Gives the tart a fragrant boost without overpowering the fruit.
Lemon juice
Prevents browning and brightens the apple flavor.
Apricot jam or honey (optional glaze)
Creates a glossy, professional-looking finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet or prepare a tart pan. Roll out the pie crust or puff pastry and fit it into the pan, trimming the edges as needed. If using a baking sheet, simply place the rolled dough directly on the parchment.
Peel and thinly slice the apples. Toss them gently with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Arrange the slices over the dough in a shingled, overlapping pattern, working from the outside inward to form a decorative spiral or fan shape.
Dot the apples with small pieces of butter. Bake until the apples become tender and lightly caramelized, and the crust turns golden brown. If using a glaze, warm apricot jam or honey and brush over the tart immediately after baking. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices in a warm oven to restore the crispness of the crust. Freezing is possible, though best done before baking; baked tarts may lose some flakiness upon thawing.
Variations and Customizations
French-Style Apple Tart
Spread a thin layer of applesauce under the apple slices for extra depth.
Salted Caramel Apple Tart
Drizzle homemade salted caramel over the finished tart.
Maple Cinnamon Tart
Replace sugar with maple syrup for warm, autumnal sweetness.
Rustic Galette Style
Fold the edges of the dough over the apples instead of using a tart pan.
Nutty Apple Tart
Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the apples before baking.
Cream Cheese Base
Add a layer of lightly sweetened cream cheese under the apples for richness.
Spiced Tart
Use nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a fuller spice profile.
Puff Pastry Apple Squares
Cut pastry into individual rectangles for single-serving tarts.
Brown Sugar Apple Tart
Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to create deeper caramel flavor.
Pear and Apple Blend
Combine thin slices of pear with apples for delicate sweetness.
FAQs
What apples are best for this tart?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith hold their shape well.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No, the skin adds color and texture, though peeling gives a softer finish.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Absolutely—it makes the recipe quick and convenient.
How do I keep the crust crisp?
Bake on the lower rack and avoid overly juicy fillings.
Can I add cream or custard?
Yes, a thin layer of pastry cream creates a richer tart.
Is a glaze necessary?
No, but it adds shine and enhances flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, bake the tart the day before and warm before serving.
Why did my crust shrink?
Chill the dough before baking to prevent shrinkage.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
Yes, puff pastry makes a lighter, flakier tart.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or make one large sheet-pan tart.
Conclusion
This Apple Tart delivers classic, comforting flavors wrapped in a beautiful presentation that feels effortless yet impressive. With tender, caramelized apples layered over a crisp, buttery crust, this dessert works for holidays, gatherings, or everyday moments when you crave something elegant and homemade. Simple, versatile, and delicious, it’s a timeless favorite you’ll return to again and again.
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