Rustic Apple Tart
When you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s simple, elegant, and irresistibly tasty, this Rustic Apple Tart is just the ticket. Made with a buttery pastry, tart apples, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect sweet treat for cozy fall evenings or special occasions. The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it! This tart brings out the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices in a delightful, golden-brown crust.
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Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress. Now, let’s get into why you’ll love this easy apple tart and how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Tart
- Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples and fresh apples bring this dessert together.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- Beautiful Presentation: The open-faced style looks stunning, especially with the glossy apricot glaze.
- Flexible Flavors: Mix and match apple varieties or add extra spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a holiday dessert, this tart always shines.
What You Need to Make the Apple Tart
To create this beautiful apple tart, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Main Ingredients:
- Pastry Sheet: The base of our tart, creating a crisp, flaky crust.
- Apples: We recommend a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Sugars: Both brown and white sugar add a warm, caramelized sweetness.
- Lemon Juice & Vanilla Extract: Adds brightness and depth to the apple mixture.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that elevate the apple flavor.
For Finishing:
- Egg Wash: To give the pastry a golden-brown finish.
- Apricot Preserves: Brushed over the pastry and apples for a glossy, fruity glaze.
- Butter: Cubed and added on top of apples for richness.
How to Make a Rustic Apple Tart
1
Prepare the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F and let the pastry sheet thaw to room temperature. Lightly flour a surface, then roll out the pastry sheet. Score a border around the edges and poke holes in the center to prevent puffing.
2
Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Combine apples with brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let this mixture chill in the fridge for a few minutes to marinate the flavors.
3
Assemble the Tart
Microwave apricot preserves for 30 seconds to soften, then spread a thin layer over the center of the pastry. Arrange the apple slices on top of the preserves in a single layer, leaving the edges free.
4
Add Butter and Egg Wash
Dot the apples with small cubes of butter for a rich flavor. Brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg to help it achieve a golden color.
5
Bake and Finish
Bake for 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. After baking, brush more apricot preserves over the apples for an extra-glossy finish.
6
Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for a little extra indulgence.
Commonly Asked Questions
What type of apples are best for this tart?
A combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples works great. Granny Smiths are tart and hold their shape well, while Honeycrisps are naturally sweet and juicy.
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the apple pie filling the night before and then bake day of!
Do I have to use apricot preserves?
No, you can substitute any fruit preserves or skip it altogether if you prefer a more rustic look without the glaze.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Scoring the edges and poking holes in the center of the pastry helps keep it crisp. Baking the apples on a thin layer of preserves also prevents excess moisture from soaking into the crust.
Rustic Apple Tart
Ingredients
- 1 pastry sheet
- 2-3 apples Granny Smith & Honeycrisp
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter cubed
- 1 egg whisked for egg wash
- 1/3 cup apricot preserves
- Optional: Ice cream & caramel or honey for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Let the pastry sheet thaw to room temperature.
- Slice and peel apples to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Mix apples, sugars, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Refrigerate the mixture.
- Roll out the pastry with a bit of flour, score edges, and poke holes in the center.
- Microwave apricot preserves for 30 seconds, spread on pastry, then add apples on top.
- Add cubed butter on top of apples.
- Brush pastry edges with egg wash, then bake for 30 minutes. Brush more apricot preserves on top after baking.
