This Caramel Apple Tart is a sweet treat that combines buttery pastry with juicy apples and a rich caramel drizzle. It’s perfect for cozy days or festive gatherings!
Just the smell of this tart baking fills your home with warmth. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s a little piece of heaven on a plate! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tart Crust: You can easily use a store-bought crust for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own with flour, butter, and a bit of water! A graham cracker crust can also work for a fun twist.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburns are delicious too. If you’re out of fresh apples, canned pie filling can save the day!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth. If you want to enhance the flavor, add nutmeg or allspice. Just a pinch can make a big difference in taste!
Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, but the tart won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free version, go for coconut cream!
How Do I Bake the Perfect Tart Crust?
Baking a tart crust can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! First, preheat your oven so everything cooks evenly. Blind baking (pre-cooking the crust) is important to avoid a soggy bottom.
- Roll out the crust, fit into the pan, and trim the edges.
- Prick with a fork to let steam escape and prevent puffing.
- Cover with parchment, then add weights (like dried beans) to hold it down.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake another 5 minutes until golden.
Let it cool a bit before adding filling, and you’ll have a perfectly crisp tart shell!
How to Make a Delicious Caramel Apple Tart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 9-inch tart crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 to 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the Filling:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (half a stick)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, plus some extra time to cool. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients, and the rest will be baking and cooling while the delicious aroma fills your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tart cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Tart Crust:
Roll out the tart crust and carefully fit it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to allow steam to escape while it bakes. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let the crust cool.
3. Toss the Apples:
While the crust cools, take a large bowl and toss the sliced apples with ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Make sure the apples are well-coated; this adds great flavor!
4. Arrange the Apples:
Now, your fun decorating time! Neatly arrange the apple slices in concentric circles on the cooled tart crust. Overlap the slices slightly for a beautiful presentation.
5. Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt, cooking and stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture starts to boil.
6. Cook the Caramel:
Let the caramel boil gently for 2-3 minutes without stirring, then remove it from the heat. Carefully stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes.
7. Combine and Bake:
Now pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the beautifully arranged apples in the tart. Return the tart to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbling.
8. Cool and Serve:
Take the tart out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Carefully remove the tart from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. It’s great warm or at room temperature!
9. Enjoy:
For extra indulgence, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade Caramel Apple Tart, a delightful mix of tender apples and rich caramel!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Tart?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of different apples for added flavor and texture. Just make sure they’re firm and suitable for baking.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the tart won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works beautifully too!
Can I Make This Tart Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tart crust and filling in advance and assemble it right before baking. The tart can also be baked a day ahead, just refrigerate it after cooling, then rewarm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, ensuring the slices are heated through without overcooking.