Easy Caramel Apple Tart

This caramel apple tart is a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a buttery flaky crust. The combination of spiced apples and a rich salted caramel drizzle makes it a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for special occasions.

This is one of the first desserts I made for a family gathering and it quickly became a requested favorite. Every time I bake it, the house fills with that cozy orchard aroma that feels like a big hug.

Ingredients

• Tart dough or pie crust: choose allbutter crusts if you can for flakiness and flavor
• Lemon juice: prevents the apples from browning and brightens the filling
• Apples: I recommend using a mix of crisp and slightly tart varieties for depth of flavor
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the filling and also makes the caramel
• Cornstarch: thickens the apple juices as the tart bakes, keeping the filling from being runny
• Apple pie spice: a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices that adds signature autumn flavor
• Water: helps dissolve sugar for the caramel
• Salt: balances sweetness and enhances the caramel’s rich notes
• Heavy cream: makes the caramel luxuriously smooth and creamy
• Unsalted butter: adds richness to the caramel sauce

Instructions

Gather and Preheat:

Gather all your ingredients measured out and ready. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the oven is hot and ready when your tart is assembled.

Prepare the Apples:

Toss the apple slices in fresh lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. Then sprinkle the sugar, cornstarch, and apple pie spice over the apples. Mix everything well so the apples are evenly coated. This mixture will become your spiced apple pie filling.

Ready the Crust:

Roll out your tart dough or pie crust gently on a floured surface. Transfer it to the tart pan and press it down lightly all over the bottom and up the sides. Trim the edges by rolling a rolling pin across the top of the pan for a clean finish.

Assemble the Tart:

Arrange the spiced apple mixture neatly inside the prepared crust in an even layer. If any juice pools at the bottom of the bowl, pour it over the apples in the tart pan to add extra flavor and moisture.

Bake the Tart:

Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until you see the apples bubbling and the crust turning golden brown. If it appears to be browning too quickly, tent the top with foil.

Cool the Tart:

Remove the tart from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool. This pause allows the filling to set before you add the caramel.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves while gently stirring to combine. Once it’s boiling, stop stirring to avoid burning the sugar leftover on the pan bottom. Let the caramel simmer on mediumlow heat for about 5 more minutes until it turns a golden amber color.

Finish the Caramel:

Take the caramel off the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream and butter until smooth and glossy. This step creates a rich, salted caramel sauce with wonderful flavor and texture.

Drizzle and Serve:

Drizzle the caramel sauce liberally over your cooled tart. Serve slices with an extra drizzle if you like for a perfect fall dessert.

My favorite ingredient has to be the apple pie spice. It turns simple apples into something truly special with its warm, cozy notes that remind me of family gatherings during the holidays. This tart always sparks memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of baking apples.

Storage Tips

Store leftover tart wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep the crust crisp and the filling moist. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy it again, warm the slices slightly in the oven to bring back that freshly baked feel.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have apple pie spice, you can mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice or cloves. You can substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar but use half the amount for a milder acidity. For dairyfree caramel, replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use a vegan butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tart warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top adds crunch and extra flavor. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot spiced tea or cider for a cozy experience.

This caramel apple tart is best served warm and makes a cozy centerpiece for any gathering. A drizzle of extra caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates every slice.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of apples work best?

Use apple varieties that hold their texture when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.

→ How do I prevent apple slices from browning?

Toss the apple slices in fresh lemon juice before mixing with sugar and spices to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration.

→ Can I prepare the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes, the tart dough can be rolled out and chilled in the refrigerator before assembling the filling to save time on baking day.

→ How is the caramel sauce made?

The caramel is created by simmering sugar, water, and salt until golden, then stirred with heavy cream and butter for a smooth, rich topping.

→ How long should the tart be baked?

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly. If browning too fast, tent the tart with foil.