Delight your taste buds with this easy-to-make yet scrumptious Apple and Caramel Tart. Combining the classic flavors of tender baked apples, fragrant cinnamon, and homemade custard, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell and topped with a rich caramel sauce, this dessert is a wonderful blend of textures and tastes. It's a perfect representation of comfort baking, ideal for any apple dessert lover.
Why You'll Love This:
- Classic Flavor Combination: The apple and cinnamon pairing is timeless and universally loved.
- Luxurious Caramel Topping: Adds a velvety, rich layer to the tart.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal affairs.
Perfect Occasion: This tart is ideal for autumn evenings, family gatherings, or as a comforting treat on a cozy night in. It's also a fantastic choice for potlucks and bake sales, where its familiar flavors and elegant presentation are sure to be a hit.
Apple and Caramel Tart
Ingredients:
- 1 round puff pastry sheet
- 6 large apples
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Cinnamon, to taste
For the Custard:
- 250ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 75g sugar
- 25g cornstarch
- Vanilla seeds
- Zest of half a lemon
For the Caramel:
- 200g sugar
- 130g cream
- 95g butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Custard: Heat milk with a spoonful of sugar. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar and vanilla. Mix in cornstarch. Once the milk boils, lower the heat, temper the egg mixture with some hot milk, then combine back with the milk. Whisk until the custard thickens. Off the heat, add lemon zest, cover with plastic wrap, and cool in the fridge.
- Prepare Apples: Mix lemon juice with sugar and cinnamon. Peel and thinly slice apples, and coat them with the lemon mixture.
- Assemble the Tart: Line a 22cm tart pan with parchment and puff pastry. Spread a thin layer of custard over the pastry, then arrange the apple slices. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 180°C for 15 minutes on the oven base, then move to a lower rack and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
- Make the Caramel: Heat sugar in a high-sided pan, swirling occasionally until melted. Warm the cream separately. Once the sugar is dissolved, turn off the heat, gradually add cream while stirring. Add salt and cold butter, stir, cool slightly, then pour over the tart.
Enjoy this Apple and Caramel Tart, a perfect fusion of sweet and tart flavors topped with a heavenly caramel sauce, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.