Delve into the rustic charm of this Gourmet Caramelized Apple Tart made with delicate phyllo pastry, offering a delightful contrast between its crispy layers and the soft, sweet filling of caramelized apples. Enhanced with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, this tart is a testament to the simple pleasures of baking with seasonal ingredients. The subtle sweetness of honey and the rich flavor of butter create a luxurious taste that's hard to resist.
Why You'll Love This: This tart brings together the comforting flavors of caramelized apples with the sophisticated texture of phyllo pastry, creating a dessert that's both visually appealing and satisfyingly delicious. The layering technique, coupled with the caramel and honey infusion, gives each bite a perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It’s an exquisite choice for those who appreciate a dessert that combines traditional tastes with a touch of elegance.
Perfect Occasion: This caramelized apple tart is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday meals, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something special. It's particularly fitting for a cozy evening dessert, served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel to make it even more decadent. It's also a great choice for potlucks and family dinners where a show-stopping dessert is called for.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle powdered sugar and slivered almonds over the top of the tart once it has cooled slightly. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also enhances the visual appeal with its contrasting textures. Serving the tart with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate it to a celebratory treat.
Ingredients:
- 100g brown sugar
- 100g salted butter
- 10-12 sheets of phyllo pastry
- 5-6 large apples
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 10g of cornstarch
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 50g of honey
- Optional: caramel, for drizzling
- Optional for topping: almond powder, slivered almonds, powdered sugar
- Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit). Prepare a 22/24 cm springform pan or a pastry ring.
- Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. Cook them in a deep skillet with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla on medium-low heat, covered, until they are tender but not mushy.
- Once the apples are cooked, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the apple mixture. Cook for an additional minute then set aside to cool.
- Melt the butter and honey together. Lay out two sheets of phyllo pastry at a time, brush the top sheet generously with the butter and honey mixture, then place them in the prepared pan. Repeat this step with two sheets at a time until you have used up to eight sheets.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of almond powder over the pastry, add the caramelized apples, drizzle with caramel if using, and then another layer of almond powder.
- Cover the filling with two more sheets of pastry, each brushed individually with the butter and honey mixture. Trim the edges if they are too long.
- Bake in the lower part of the oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Let the tart cool slightly in the pan before removing. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
- Serve warm to maintain the crispiness of the pastry, accompanied by a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Enjoy this delightful caramelized apple tart, a perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and utterly delicious elements that make it a hit on any dessert table!