Easy Apple Tart
- PREP 1hrs
- COOK 45min
- TOTAL 1hrs 45min
This easy apple tart is best served warm. We love it alone, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream does not hurt.
You Will Need
1 homemade pie crust or 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
2 medium apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
Juice of half a lemon
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons apricot, fig, or other light-colored jam
3 tablespoons sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Directions
Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll chilled dough into a 13-by-9-inch rectangle. Trim edges as needed, then transfer to the baking sheet. (If you are starting with a circular crust, no worries, simply roll it out so it is about 1/4-inch thick).
Using a fork, prick the crust every 1/2 inch to prevent air pockets from forming while it bakes. Refrigerate while you prepare the apples.
Cut the apples in half through the stem. Remove the stems and core them (a melon baller helps). Slice the apples crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Scatter lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
Place overlapping slices of the apples in four rows down the tart (8 to 9 slices per slice should do it). To keep things pretty, it’s best not to use the smaller slices from the ends of the apples).
Sprinkle the sugar over the apples and dot with butter.
Bake the tart for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is browned and the edges of the apples begin to brown. Rotate the baking sheet once during baking. Don’t worry if juices from the apples run out onto the pan and brown. The tart will still be okay.
When the tart is done, use a large spatula to loosen it and then transfer it to a cutting board or platter.
Warm the jam on the stove or using a microwave. Lightly brush warmed jam over the apples. Scatter almonds on top.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- How to toast almonds: Add to a dry pan over medium-low heat. Shake the pan constantly to prevent burning. The nuts are toasted when they’re lightly browned and smell nutty. It only takes 4 to 5 minutes.
- Crust options: For the crust, you can use this homemade pie crust recipe. The recipe yields enough dough for two single-crust pies or tarts, so you can freeze the remaining dough for another use. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought pie crust or puff pastry. If using puff pastry, thaw it completely according to the package instructions before using it for this tart. If using store-bought pie crust, it will likely be in the shape of a circle to fit pie dishes. While I form my tart into a rectangle, you can just as easily make it round.
- How to make an apple tart using puff pastry: Unfold a sheet of puff pastry onto a floured surface and roll out into a 13-by-9-inch rectangle. Transfer to the baking sheet. Score 1/2 inch in from the edge, all the way around, using a paring knife. Using a fork, prick the crust every 1/2 inch to prevent air pockets from forming while it bakes. Continue adding apples to the crust as shared in the recipe above.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.