Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart
A delightful dessert that combines the warmth of spices with thinly sliced apples, enveloped in flaky puff pastry, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Pastry and Apples
- 1 sheet sheet of puff pastry, thawed Creates a beautifully flaky base.
- 4 medium medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored Ensures they are tender and juicy.
Sugar and Spices
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Lends a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Balances tartness of the apples.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Helps thicken the apple mixture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Provides warm and aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Introduces creamy, slightly sweet spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Offers a deep, distinctive aroma.
- 1 pinch salt Enhances the flavors.
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice Brightens flavor and prevents browning.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced Creates a rich finish.
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash) Imparts a beautiful golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional) Adds crunch on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to form a 12-inch square and transfer to the baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the apple filling into the center of the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Fold the edges of the pastry over the apples, forming gentle pleats. Dot the exposed apples with diced butter.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Baking
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Once baked, allow the tart to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Can be easily made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen with proper wrapping.