Apple Tart

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is straightforward, requiring only a handful of ingredients, but the end result looks and tastes impressive. The thinly sliced apples are beautifully layered over a flaky crust and baked until tender, then brushed with warm preserves for a bakery-style finish. It’s lighter than a traditional apple pie yet just as satisfying, making it a great option when you want something elegant but not overly heavy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
4 semi-tart apples (such as Pink Lady)
¼ cup (50 grams) white sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ cup (56 grams) salted butter, melted
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla
¾ teaspoon all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons fruit preserves (such as apricot, plum, or cherry), warmed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a tart pan, trimming any excess dough.
3. Core, peel, and thinly slice the apples. Arrange them in slightly overlapping circles over the crust.
4. In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, ginger, flour, lemon juice, vanilla, and melted butter until well combined.
5. Drizzle or brush the mixture evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
7. Remove the tart from the oven and brush the warm fruit preserves over the apples to give them a glossy finish.
8. Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This Apple Tart serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Try different apple varieties such as Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter flavor.
• Use puff pastry instead of pie crust for a flakier base.
• Swap out the fruit preserves with honey or maple syrup for a different glaze.
• Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Top with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts before baking for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature or in the fridge. Brush on the preserves just before serving for the best shine.

Do I need to blind-bake the crust?

No, since the tart doesn’t have a wet filling, blind-baking isn’t necessary.

What kind of apples work best?

Semi-tart varieties like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well and balance sweetness with acidity.

Can I use frozen pie crust?

Yes, just thaw it according to the package instructions before using.

Can I skip the preserves?

Yes, but the preserves add shine, sweetness, and a professional finish.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice before arranging them in the tart.

Can I add cream or custard under the apples?

Yes, a thin layer of pastry cream, frangipane, or sweetened mascarpone can make the tart richer.

How do I know when the tart is done?

The crust should be golden, and the apples tender when pierced with a fork.

Can this be served warm or cold?

Both work well. Warm is comforting, while chilled gives it a refreshing touch.

What can I serve with this tart?

It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

This Apple Tart is a delightful dessert that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. With its crisp crust, tender spiced apples, and glossy fruit preserve finish, it’s a versatile treat perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or chilled with a cup of tea, this tart is sure to win over anyone who tries it.

Print