This Caramel Apple Tart is a warm, sweet treat that’s hard to resist! With juicy apples nestled in a flaky crust and drizzled with rich caramel, it’s like a hug on a plate.
Every bite is a perfect mix of gooey and crunchy—who doesn’t love that? I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granny Smith Apples: These apples are perfect for baking because they hold their shape and provide a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel. If you can’t find them, feel free to substitute with Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a sweeter twist.
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for the crust. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for the crust to control saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, stick margarine or coconut oil can be used instead, although the flavor will change a bit.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth. You can replace them with pumpkin spice if you want a fall-inspired taste. For those who prefer less spice, you can omit it altogether.
How Do I Get the Perfect Tart Crust?
Creating the perfect tart crust is all about handling the dough gently. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use cold butter to help create a flaky texture. Cube it straight from the fridge.
- Pulse the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs, but don’t overdo it. The faster you work, the better!
- When adding ice water, do it slowly and stop mixing as soon as the dough holds together. Too much mixing will lead to a tough crust.
- Chilling the dough is essential as it helps relax the gluten, leading to a tender crust. Aim for at least an hour in the fridge.
Don’t forget to prick the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking! This method keeps it nice and flat for your delicious apple filling.
Caramel Apple Tart
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) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For The Filling:
- 4-5 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Juice of half a lemon
For The Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Caramel Apple Tart requires about 1 hour for preparation, plus an additional 40-45 minutes for baking. You’ll also need at least 1 hour to chill the crust! In total, you can expect to spend a bit over 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tart Crust:
Start by combining the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, mix in the egg yolk. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough starts to come together. Once ready, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apples:
While the crust chills, you can prep the filling! In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure they are well coated and set aside for a moment.
3. Roll Out and Pre-Bake the Crust:
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough carefully into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it into the edges. Don’t forget to trim any excess dough! Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment, baking for another 5 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Arrange the Apples:
Now comes the fun part! Layer the prepared apple slices in concentric circles over the crust, starting from the outer edge and working your way inward. This will make your tart look beautiful!
5. Bake the Tart:
Pop the tart back into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is a lovely golden brown.
6. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the tart is baking, you can make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the sugar, stirring constantly until melted and turns an amber color (this will take about 6-8 minutes). Be careful not to burn it! Once you reach the right color, remove it from heat and whisk in the butter until melted. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while whisking. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If your sauce thickens too much, just warm it slightly before using.
7. Finish the Tart:
Once the tart has cooled slightly out of the oven, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the arranged apples to give it a glossy finish. It’s going to look divine!
8. Serve:
Finally, serve your Caramel Apple Tart warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Make This Tart Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the tart crust a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also prepare and assemble the tart, then cover it and store it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh the day you plan to serve for the best texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Granny Smith Apples?
While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even a mix of sweet apples for a less tangy flavor. Just remember that the balance of sweetness will change slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch. Just warm it slightly before drizzling over the tart for a gooey finish.