Caramelized Apple Tart with Cinnamon Spiced Filling and Buttery Flaky Crust (Easy Homemade Fall Dessert)

Prep Time: 25 minutes   |   Cook Time: 40 minutes   |   Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes   |   Servings: 8

Introduction

Apple tart is a classic homemade dessert featuring tender caramelized apples layered over a buttery flaky crust with warm cinnamon spice in every bite. This easy fall dessert combines crisp apples, rich buttery pastry, and a lightly sweet filling that bakes into a golden, bakery-style tart. The apples soften beautifully while still holding their shape, creating a perfect contrast with the crisp crust underneath. Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or cozy evenings, this tart is simple yet elegant. For the best flavor, use firm apples that balance sweetness and tartness, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150 g)
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (113 g)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (25 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1 g)
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water (45–60 ml)

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 apples, peeled and thinly sliced (600 g)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (65 g)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (28 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a bowl combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add water: Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Prepare the apples: In a bowl toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and melted butter.
5. Roll out the dough: Roll chilled dough into a circle and place into a tart pan, trimming excess edges.
6. Arrange apples: Layer apple slices evenly over the crust in overlapping circles.
7. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender and caramelized.
8. Cool slightly: Let the tart cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQs

Q1: What apples work best for apple tart?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples work very well.

Q2: How do I keep the crust flaky?
Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.

Q3: Can apple tart be made ahead?
Yes, it can be baked a day ahead and reheated before serving.

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