Apple Tart Recipe

An Apple Tart is an easy and elegant dessert is the perfect blend of crisp pastry and sweet, spiced apples.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something cozy, this easy apple dessert recipe will walk you through how to get that picture-perfect tart every time.

With its flaky crust and beautifully arranged apple slices, this tart looks like something from a bakery window—but it’s totally doable at home.

A rustic apple tart with golden crust and neatly arranged apple slices sits on a wooden board. Whole apples and a plaid cloth are in the background. Text reads “Apple Tart Recipe” and “get the recipe on: www.mommalew.com.”.

What is an apple tart? 

It’s a simple and delicious dessert recipe made with a flaky crust and thin slices of apple layered on top.

The apples are usually tossed with a little sugar and cinnamon, then baked until soft and golden. It’s kind of like a pie, but without the top crust, so it’s easier to make and looks really pretty. They’re perfect for holidays or just a cozy weekend treat!

A rustic apple galette, reminiscent of a classic apple tart with its golden, flaky crust and neatly arranged apple slices, sits on a wooden board next to halved apples and a plaid cloth on a white wooden surface.

Print the full recipe at the bottom of the page, then start by gathering everything you need!

  • Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Try to slice your apples uniformly so they bake evenly and look nice when arranged.
  • Roll out a store-bought pie crust or make your own pie crust if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • Lay it in a tart pan, and arrange the apple slices in a pretty pattern.
  • Fold the edges over, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sugar.
  • After baking until golden and tender, brush the warm apples with melted jelly to add a shiny glaze.
  • Cool slightly, then serve as-is or with a scoop of ice cream!
What apples are best for an apple tart?

For the best results, choose firm, slightly sweet apples that hold their shape when baked. Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady are all great options. You can also mix a couple of varieties to balance sweetness and texture.

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

The main difference comes down to the crust and presentation. A pie typically has a double crust (top and bottom), is baked in a deep dish, and has a more rustic, homestyle look. A tart, on the other hand, usually has a single, flatter crust, no top layer, and is baked in a shallow tart pan—giving it a more elegant, open-faced appearance. Tarts also tend to use less filling and are often glazed for a shiny finish.

What if I don’t have apple butter or jelly?

You can skip the glaze or use apricot jam, honey, or maple syrup instead.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! It can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Reheat briefly in the oven before serving if you like it warm.

A rustic apple galette, reminiscent of an apple tart, with a golden, flaky crust and neatly arranged apple slices sits on a wooden board. Nearby are sliced apples and a plaid cloth on a white wooden surface.

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    A golden-brown rustic apple galette, reminiscent of a classic apple tart, with flaky crust and neatly arranged apple slices sits on a wooden board. Sliced apples and a checkered cloth are visible in the background.

    If you’re loving this recipe, be sure to check out these great fall recipe ideas:

    A rustic apple galette, reminiscent of a classic apple tart, with golden, flaky crust and arranged apple slices sits on a wooden board. A halved apple and a checkered cloth are nearby on a white background.
    A rustic apple galette, reminiscent of a classic apple tart, with golden, flaky crust and arranged apple slices sits on a wooden board. A halved apple and a checkered cloth are nearby on a white background.

    Apple Tart Recipe

    Learn how to make this easy apple tart recipe with a flaky crust, cozy spices, and a glossy finish—perfect for fall gatherings or weeknight treats!
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: desserts
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: apple tart, best apple tart recipe, how to make an apple tart recipe
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Author: momma lew

    Ingredients

    • 4 gala apples
    • 4 ½ tablespoons sugar divided
    • 1 tbsp flour
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ 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.

    Notes

    Wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4. Reheat in the oven to crisp up the crust.
     
     

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