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- Tart Crust Components - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 large egg yolk - 2 tablespoons ice water - Apple Filling Ingredients - 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Caramel Sauce Ingredients - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt Gather these ingredients before you begin. Each one plays a key role in making your salted caramel apple tart truly special. The tart crust is buttery and crisp. The apple filling adds a sweet and tangy burst. Lastly, the salted caramel sauce ties it all together with rich flavor. You will love how simple it is to create this delightful dessert! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your dry ingredients. You need 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients. Use a whisk to blend them well. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, add 1 large egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the crust stay flaky. Now, move on to the apples. You need 4 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel, core, and slice them. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Let the apples sit for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend and the apples to soften. After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the crust. Fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights. Bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the baked crust. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples. Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the apples are tender. Enjoy the fun of making this tart! You will love the sweet and salty blend of flavors. - Preventing Sogginess To avoid a soggy tart crust, blind bake it. This means you bake the crust without filling first. Use pie weights or dried beans on parchment paper to keep it flat. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights. Bake again for 10 minutes until golden. This helps create a firm base for your tart. - Substitutions for Gluten-Free Crust If you need a gluten-free crust, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can also try almond flour or oat flour. Mix these with cold butter and sugar just like in the regular crust. Add an egg for binding. Chill the dough before rolling for best results. - Best Apple Varieties for Tartness For the best flavor, use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They give a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. These apples hold their shape well when baked too. - Combining Flavors for Depth Mixing apple varieties adds depth to your tart. Try pairing tart apples with sweeter ones like Fuji. This mix gives a more complex flavor. - Achieving the Right Thickness To get the perfect caramel sauce, keep the heat medium. Stir the brown sugar and cream until smooth. It should thicken in about 3-5 minutes. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer. - Adjusting Sweetness If you find the sauce too sweet, add a pinch of salt. This balances the flavors and enhances the caramel taste. You can also add more cream for a milder flavor. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Ensure your dough is cold before rolling it out. This helps prevent it from shrinking during baking. Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith adds tartness while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Caramel Consistency: Keep an eye on the caramel sauce while cooking; you want it thick but not burnt. Stir continuously for a smooth texture. Let It Cool: Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. {{image_2}} - Adding Spices You can spice up your tart with a few simple additions. Try cloves or nutmeg for warmth. A pinch of allspice also adds a nice twist to the apple filling. Mix these spices in with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor. - Incorporating Nuts Add some crunch with nuts! Chopped pecans or walnuts give a great texture. Sprinkle them on top of the apples before baking. They will toast and bring a lovely nutty flavor to the tart. - Vegan Options To make a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use a flax egg instead of the egg yolk. For the caramel sauce, use coconut cream and a plant-based milk. This keeps it rich while being dairy-free. - Gluten-Free Alternatives For a gluten-free crust, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to adjust the liquid since these flours can act differently. This way, you can still enjoy your tart without gluten. - Serving with Ice Cream Serve your tart warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm tart, creating a delightful mix of flavors. It’s a great way to enhance the dessert experience. - Garnishing Suggestions Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a salty counterbalance. A few apple slices or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce can also make it look inviting. These small touches elevate the tart's presentation beautifully. Best Practices for Refrigeration To keep your salted caramel apple tart fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or foil to cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge. This will help it stay tasty for up to three days. The cold air prevents the apples from going soft. Freezing Tips If you have extra tart, you can freeze it. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Oven vs. Microwave Methods For the best taste, reheat your tart in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart in for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the crust crisp. If you use a microwave, heat it for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the crust may become soggy. Tips for Maintaining Texture When reheating, cover the tart with foil if it's browning too fast. This protects the top. If you want extra flavor, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top before reheating. Enjoy your delicious tart warm and fresh! I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples balance sweet and tart flavors well. They hold their shape when baked, ensuring a great texture in your tart. Yes, you can prepare the tart crust in advance. Once you shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic. Store it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months. To stop apples from browning, toss them with lemon juice. The acid in lemon juice slows down oxidation. This keeps your apples looking fresh and bright as you prepare your tart. Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce saves time and works well. Just warm it slightly before drizzling over your tart. This way, it flows nicely over the apples. Yes, you can make a gluten-free version. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your other ingredients, like the caramel, are also gluten-free. The salted caramel apple tart stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to a week. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it from drying out. Making a salted caramel apple tart is simple and fun. You learned about the right ingredients, like the best apples and caramel sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create a perfect tart. Follow the tips for a great crust and added flavors. Try out the variations to make this dessert your own. You can store leftovers for later, and I explained how. Enjoy your baking journey, and impress friends and family with your delicious creation!

Salted Caramel Apple Tart

A delicious tart featuring a buttery crust filled with sweet and tart apples, drizzled with salted caramel.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons ice water
  • 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 cups brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tart Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cold butter, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add the egg yolk and ice water; mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soften.
  • Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork.
  • Blind Bake the Crust: Place a sheet of parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
  • Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
  • Assemble the Tart: Arrange the apple slices evenly over the baked tart crust. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top of the apples.
  • Bake the Tart: Bake in the preheated oven for another 20-25 minutes or until the apples are tender.
  • Serve: Once baked, let the tart cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with the remaining salted caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Serve slices of the tart warm, garnished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side.
Keyword apple, caramel, dessert, tart