Skip to Content

How to Make a Quick & Easy Apple Tart Recipe

Indulge in the sweet symphony of flavors with our delectable apple tart recipe. Perfect for dessert lovers, this mouthwatering treat is a delightful blend of flaky pastry and caramelized apples that will leave you craving for more.

apple tart

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, fragrant scent of an apple tart wafting through the kitchen. 

This classic dessert combines the goodness of ripe apples, a buttery crust, and a touch of cinnamon to create a dessert that’s both elegant and satisfying. 

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or are looking for a delicious dessert to use up an abundance of apples, our apple tart recipe is your ticket to a delightful dessert experience.

Crafting the perfect apple tart is all about balance — finding that sweet spot between tender apples and a flaky, buttery crust. 

Get ready to savor the flavors of fall with our easy apple tart recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

apple tart

How to Make an Apple Tart Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 gala apples
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp apple butter or jelly, melted
  • 1 pie crust, 9 inch ready to bake 
apple tart

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

apple tart

Preheat 350 degree f oven. 

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. It should be about 1/8-inch thick.

Carefully transfer the bottom crust to a tart tin with a removable bottom.

Arrange the slices of apples in a circular pattern on top of the pastry, in a single layer, leaving a border around the edges.

Fold the edges of the pastry over the apples, creating a rustic, free-form tart. Trim edges as needed.

apple tart

Melt the butter, and use a silicone brush to brush it over the apples. Then sprinkle the remaining sugar over the apples. 

apple tart

Place the unbaked tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the apples are tender.

apple tart

While the tart is still warm, heat the jelly in a small saucepan or in the microwave until it’s liquid.

Brush the warmed jelly over the apples to give them a beautiful glaze.

apple tart

Allow the tart to cool slightly before removing it from the tart pan.

Serve your rustic apple tart warm or at room temperature. Optionally, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

apple tart

Relevant Recipes

apple tart

Tips for Best Results When Making a Simple Apple Tart Recipe

  • Whether you’re making your own pastry or using store-bought, make sure it’s of good quality. A flaky and buttery pastry will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the tart.
  • To ensure even cooking and a tender texture, slice the apples thinly and uniformly. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
  • When arranging the apple slices on the pastry, overlap them in an attractive pattern. A circular or spiral arrangement often works well.
  • Follow your recipe’s recommended baking temperature and time. Typically, apple tarts are baked at around 375-400°F for about 30-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the apples are tender.
  • Allow the apple tart to cool for a bit before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful finishing touch.

Classic Apple Tart FAQ

What pastry is apple tart?

For baking an apple tart, you should use a type of pastry known as pâte brisée, which is a classic shortcrust pastry. This type of pastry is ideal for tarts because it has a delicate, crumbly texture that pairs well with the sweet and tender apple filling.

Which apple is best for apple tart?

The best varieties for an apple tart are fresh apples that offer a balance of sweetness and tartness while holding their shape during baking. Some of the best apples include Granny Smith apples, known for their tartness and firm texture; Honeycrisp, appreciated for their sweet-tart flavor and juiciness; Braeburn, which combines a sweet and slightly tart taste with a firm texture; Jonagold, offering a sweet, honeyed flavor with a touch of tartness; and Fuji, known for their sweetness and crispness. Cortland apples, with their mild tartness, firmness, and slight sweetness, also work well in apple tarts. Combining different apple varieties can create a more complex and flavorful tart, allowing you to tailor the tart to your taste preferences.

How do you cut apples for apple tart?

To cut apples for an apple tart, start by peeling the apples to remove the skin, then core them to eliminate seeds and the tough core. Slice apples thinly and uniformly, aiming for slices approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick using a sharp knife. To prevent browning, toss the slices in a bit of lemon juice before arranging them on the tart crust in a decorative pattern. 

What’s the difference between apple pie and apple tart?

Apple pie typically features a double-crust pastry, resulting in a deeper, round pie with a more complex filling that often includes sugar and spices. It’s associated with traditional, homestyle baking, frequently enjoyed during holidays like Thanksgiving. In contrast, an apple tart showcases a single, open-faced pastry crust, resulting in a shallower dessert with a simpler filling, emphasizing the natural apple flavor. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences and the desired dessert style.

How long will an apple tart keep?

An apple tart can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days, refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for 2-4 months. To maintain its freshness, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Frozen apple tarts should be thawed in the refrigerator before reheating. Always inspect the tart for signs of spoilage, such as mold or unusual odors, and discard it if any issues arise. Proper storage helps preserve the tart’s quality and taste over time.

apple tart

Apple Tart Recipe

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Indulge in the sweet symphony of flavors with our delectable apple tart recipe. Perfect for dessert lovers, this mouthwatering treat is a delightful blend of flaky pastry and caramelized apples that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

  • 4 gala apples
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp apple butter or jelly, melted
  • 1 pie crust, 9 inch ready to bake

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Preheat 350 degree f oven. 

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. It should be about 1/8-inch thick.

Carefully transfer the bottom crust to a tart tin with a removable bottom.

Arrange the slices of apples in a circular pattern on top of the pastry, in a single layer, leaving a border around the edges.

Fold the edges of the pastry over the apples, creating a rustic, free-form tart. Trim edges as needed.

Place the unbaked tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the apples are tender.

While the tart is still warm, heat the jelly in a small saucepan or in the microwave until it's liquid.

Brush the warmed jelly over the apples to give them a beautiful glaze.

Allow the tart to cool slightly before removing it from the tart pan.Serve your rustic apple tart warm or at room temperature. Optionally, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Contains affiliate links

Sharing is caring!

Skip to Recipe