This Caramel Apple Tart is a tasty treat that combines sweet apples with rich caramel. The flaky crust holds everything together, making each bite a delight!
I love how the gooey caramel pairs perfectly with the soft apples. It’s a great way to enjoy a cozy dessert on a chilly evening. Don’t forget the whipped cream—it’s a must! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your tart crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Keep in mind the texture might change a bit.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level in your crust. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter can be good alternatives.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this tart due to their tartness and firmness. If they aren’t available, use Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter flavor, but make sure they won’t turn mushy while baking.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth to the caramel flavor. You can substitute it with coconut sugar or even white sugar, but the taste will be slightly different.
Heavy Cream: For the caramel sauce, heavy cream is essential for richness. You can use whole milk for a lighter version, but it will make the sauce less creamy.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Flaky Tart Crust?
The tart crust is crucial for the overall texture of your Caramel Apple Tart. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly flaky:
- Keep all your ingredients cold—this helps the butter stay solid during mixing, leading to a flakier crust.
- When mixing the dough, don’t over-process. Stop as soon as you see coarse crumbs so that the butter remains intact.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This relaxes the gluten and makes the crust tender.
- Don’t skip the docking step (pricking with a fork) before baking. It prevents the crust from puffing up.
Taking these steps will help you achieve a crust that’s both flaky and flavorful, providing the perfect base for your delicious filling! Enjoy making your tart!
How to Make Caramel Apple Tart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart 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 cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caramel Apple Tart will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to allow it to cool for an hour or so for the caramel to set properly. In total, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that is waiting time while it cools!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tart Crust:
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt, and pulse until blended. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water, pulsing until the dough begins to hold together. If it seems a bit dry, you can add additional water, one teaspoon at a time. Once combined, form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for the tart crust.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Gently press the dough into the pan, trim the excess from the edges, and dock the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill the crust in the fridge while you prepare the apple filling.
4. Bake the Crust:
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Sauté the mixture until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
6. Arrange the Apples:
Gently layer the sautéed apple slices in overlapping circles inside the baked tart crust, creating a beautiful pattern.
7. Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, pour in the granulated sugar, stirring occasionally until it melts and turns amber in color. Be careful not to burn it! Once melted, add the cubed butter and stir until it’s completely melted. Gradually pour in the warmed heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Remove from the heat.
8. Drizzle the Caramel:
Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the beautifully arranged apples in the tart.
9. Cool the Tart:
Let your Caramel Apple Tart cool completely before serving, this will allow the caramel to set properly. It’s best if you can wait about an hour!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your tart and serve it on a plate, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Caramel Apple Tart!
This recipe is sure to impress! Happy baking! 🍏🍮
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust for This Tart?
Absolutely! For a quicker option, a store-bought pie crust will work perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking, and then proceed with the apple filling and caramel sauce as directed.
How Do I Prevent the Apples from Browning?
To keep your apples from browning while you prepare the filling, toss the sliced apples in a little lemon juice. This will help maintain their color and enhance their flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream for the Caramel?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk. Just keep in mind that the caramel will be less rich and creamy, so it may not have the same smooth texture.
How to Store Leftover Tart?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy them cold! The caramel might firm up a bit, but it will still be delicious.