Apple Pie Tart: Classic Homemade Dessert with Flaky Crust

There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Apple Pie Tart wafting through your home. As the days get cooler and apples come into season, I find myself gravitating toward this perfect blend of buttery crust and tender, spiced apples. This Apple Pie Tart recipe has been my go-to for years, whether I’m hosting an impromptu gathering with friends or simply craving something sweet after a long day. The beautiful balance of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of brandy creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. What makes this Apple Pie Tart truly special is how it captures the essence of traditional apple pie but with a more refined presentation that’s sure to impress. Best of all, despite its sophisticated appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginners!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Tart

• ✅ This homemade Apple Pie Tart with flaky crust comes together in just about an hour
• ✅ Perfect classic Apple Pie Tart for dessert lovers who appreciate traditional flavors
• ✅ The traditional Apple Pie Tart with cinnamon spice brings warmth to any meal
• ✅ Elegant Apple Pie Tart for special occasions that looks professional with minimal effort
• ✅ Versatile recipe easily adapted for vegan Apple Pie Tart with simple substitutions
• ✅ Create mini Apple Pie Tartlets for bite-sized treats using the same recipe
• ✅ The best Apple Pie Tart filling ideas with perfect balance of sweet and tart

Ingredients for Apple Pie Tart

For the Crust:

• 5 tablespoons cold butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free Apple Pie Tart crust alternative)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan Apple Pie Tart with almond milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
• 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
• 1 tablespoon pear or apple brandy (optional, can substitute with apple juice)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Apple Pie Tart – Step by Step

Preparing the Crust

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix thoroughly.

Step 2: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this is the secret to a flaky Apple Pie Tart crust.

Step 4: Form the dough into a ball, flatten slightly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for easy handling and perfect texture in your homemade Apple Pie Tart.

Preparing the Apple Filling

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch tart pan by lightly greasing it.

Step 6: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness for even cooking – a key factor in creating the best Apple Pie Tart filling.

Step 7: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 8: Cook the apples for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still maintain their shape. This pre-cooking technique ensures perfect texture in your Apple Pie Tart.

Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in the brandy. Set aside to cool slightly while you roll out the dough.

Assembling and Baking

Step 10: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness, in a circle large enough to fit your tart pan.

Step 11: Carefully transfer the dough to your tart pan. Press it gently into the bottom and up the sides, trimming any excess. For easy Apple Pie Tart for holiday gatherings, you can prepare the crust a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.

Step 12: Arrange the cooled apple slices in a decorative pattern in the tart shell. Pour any remaining juices from the pan over the apples.

Step 13: Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the top of the tart.

Step 14: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush it over the apples. This adds a beautiful shine to your finished Apple Pie Tart.

Step 15: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Apple Pie Tart

• For an extra crispy base, blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Mix different varieties of apples for complex flavor in your Apple Pie Tart. Granny Smith provides tartness while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie dough, but homemade truly makes a difference for an authentic Apple Pie Tart.
• Try healthy Apple Pie Tart using whole wheat flour by replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat.
• For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple filling.
• For a stunning presentation, arrange thin apple slices in a spiral pattern starting from the outside and working toward the center.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Pie Tart

The classic Apple Pie Tart is delightful on its own, but there are many ways to elevate this dessert:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect temperature contrast.
• Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Pair with sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional flavor combination.
• For brunch, serve alongside coffee or hot apple cider.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Apple Pie Tart can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy again, warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crisp texture of the crust.

To freeze your Apple Pie Tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a homemade Apple Pie Tart that isn’t soggy?

Pre-cooking the apple filling helps reduce excess moisture. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of ground nuts or breadcrumbs on the crust before adding the filling to create a barrier against moisture.

What apples are best for Apple Pie Tart?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet crust.

Can I make this Apple Pie Tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling separately up to 2 days in advance. Store the dough in the refrigerator and the filling in an airtight container. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

How long do I bake an Apple Pie Tart?

Typically, an Apple Pie Tart takes 30-35 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling to know it’s done.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie Tart beautifully balances traditional flavors with an elegant presentation. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a homemade dessert, it’s sure to impress. The combination of buttery crust and spiced apples creates a classic treat that appeals to all ages. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Apple Pie Tart as much as I do!

What variations have you tried with your Apple Pie Tart? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

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