As the summer sun begins to soften and the days grow shorter, our taste buds yearn for the warm, comforting flavors of fall. What better way to embrace the season than with a delightful homemade Apple Tart? This classic dessert is surprisingly simple to prepare yet delivers a burst of sweet and tart perfection in every bite.
The beauty of apple tarts lies in their versatility. You can customize them to your liking, using different apple varieties, and crust types, and even incorporating spices for a touch of warmth. This recipe offers a basic framework, perfect for beginners or experienced bakers alike. Feel free to experiment and personalize it to create your own signature apple tart.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 4-5 large apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- Optional:
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk or water)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
- Assemble the Tart: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and gently press it into the bottom and sides. Add the apple filling to the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with the softened butter.
- Baking and Finishing Touches: (Optional) Brush the crust edges with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden brown crust. Bake the tart for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tart cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade apple tart warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat!
Tips:
- For a thicker crust, pre-bake the empty crust for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling.
- If your apples are very juicy, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to absorb some of the excess liquid.
- Leftover apple tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
With this recipe and a little creativity, you can create a delicious and impressive apple tart that will be a welcome addition to any autumn gathering. So, embrace the crisp fall air, gather your loved ones, and celebrate the season with a slice of homemade apple pie perfection!
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