This Perfect Apple Tart combines a buttery, flaky crust with a richly spiced apple filling, making it an irresistible dessert. The tart is simple yet elegant, featuring layers of thinly sliced apples infused with cinnamon and lemon, topped with a crumbly streusel that adds a delightful texture contrast. It’s the kind of dessert that invites a moment of indulgence with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This: The magic of this apple tart lies in its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The crisp pastry base, combined with the soft, spiced apples and the crunchy topping, creates a symphony of tastes that are both comforting and sophisticated. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cool with a dusting of powdered sugar, each slice offers a taste of homemade goodness that’s hard to resist.
Perfect Occasion: This apple tart is ideal for a variety of occasions. Serve it at a casual family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or as a special treat at a brunch. It’s also perfect for taking along to potlucks or outdoor picnics because it travels well and can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern starting from the outer edge of the tart and working inward. Before baking, sprinkle with almond flakes or chopped walnuts for an added crunch. Once baked and slightly cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for a gourmet touch.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 125g butter, room temperature
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups flour (measured with a 200ml cup)
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup apple puree (see recipe in highlights)
- 4 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons sliced almonds, or substitute with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts
- Additional Topping:
- 2-3 tablespoons flour (for the crumb topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Mix butter, egg, sugar, salt, baking powder, and flour to form a dough. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (can be prepared the night before).
- Grease a 24 cm tart pan or a similar-sized baking dish and chill in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine sliced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.
- Assemble the Tart:
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 5mm thickness. Fit the dough into the prepared tart pan, trimming any excess.
- Prick the base with a fork. If available, sprinkle a layer of sliced almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts at the bottom.
- Spread the apple puree over the nuts (if using), then arrange the spiced apple slices evenly on top.
- Mix the remaining dough trimmings with 2-3 tablespoons of flour and crumble over the apples. Top with additional almonds or nuts if desired.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the tart on the second lowest rack of the oven for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve:
- Allow the tart to cool in the pan before removing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cool with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy! This apple tart is a beautiful and delicious way to bring a touch of sweetness to any gathering, making it a favorite for both its flavor and its homestyle charm.
