Save Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with this Salted Caramel Apple Tart. Featuring a buttery, golden crust and a filling of tender apples tossed in warm spices, this dessert is elevated by a luscious homemade caramel sauce and a delicate finishing touch of flaky sea salt. It is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spiced notes, making it a standout centerpiece for any occasion.
Save This recipe provides a structured approach to making both the delicate tart shell and the rich caramel from scratch, ensuring a depth of flavor that store-bought alternatives simply cannot match. Whether served at a dinner party or as a weekend treat, this tart is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Tart Crust: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cold and diced), 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, 1 large egg yolk, 2–3 tbsp ice water.
- Spiced Apple Filling: 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground allspice, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 3 tbsp (45 ml) water, 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt, plus extra for topping.
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
- In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and 2 tbsp ice water; pulse until dough forms. Add more water if needed. Shape into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Blind Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and fit into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim excess and prick base with a fork. Line with parchment and baking weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake 8 more minutes until golden. Let cool.
- Cook the Apples
- Toss sliced apples with sugars, spices, and lemon juice. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook apples for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Make the Caramel
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until deep amber (6–8 minutes). Remove from heat, carefully whisk in cream, then add butter and sea salt. Whisk until smooth and cool slightly.
- Assemble and Final Bake
- Arrange spiced apples in the cooled crust. Drizzle with half of the caramel sauce. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbling. Cool on a rack, then drizzle with remaining caramel and flaky salt before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure success, have your tools ready: a 9-inch tart pan, food processor (or pastry cutter), rolling pin, skillet, saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, and baking weights or dried beans. Using cold butter and ice water for the crust is essential for a flaky texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling before baking. This adds a nutty depth that complements the spiced apples and rich caramel perfectly.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this tart warm or at room temperature. For a decadent experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts beautifully into the warm salted caramel and spiced apples.
Save This dessert contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and dairy. Each serving contains approximately 390 calories, 19g of total fat, 56g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Enjoy this classic treat while it's fresh for the best texture.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking the crust before adding the filling ensures it stays crisp and golden during baking.
- → What type of apples work best for this tart?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness when cooked.
- → Can I prepare the caramel sauce in advance?
Yes, prepare the salted caramel ahead and gently rewarm before drizzling over the tart.
- → How can I add extra texture to the filling?
Incorporate toasted chopped pecans or walnuts into the spiced apples for added crunch.
- → What is the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors.