Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart
Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart is a delightful dessert that beautifully wraps warm spiced apples in flaky puff pastry. This recipe is a step-by-step journey into creating a comforting treat that brings out the best of autumn flavors. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples wafting through your kitchen is not just enticing; it’s utterly heartwarming. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this tart is worth making for its simplicity and stunning presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart is not just easy to prepare; it’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. With just a few minimal ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The versatility of apple varieties allows you to customize the flavor, whether you prefer the tartness of Granny Smith or the sweetness of Honeycrisp. This recipe is family-friendly, perfect for making together, and can be completed in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients for Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed: This flaky base brings a delightful crunch.
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Their sweet-tart flavor balances the spices perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples without overwhelming them.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and keep it from being too runny.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that evokes comfort.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a warm and aromatic depth.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the tart.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps the apples fresh.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced: Adds richness and a lovely richness.
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash): Achieves a golden and glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional): For that extra crunch on top.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12-inch square and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it fits nicely and has no tears.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything to create a deliciously aromatic apple filling.
Step 4: Spoon the apple filling onto the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border all around.
Step 5: Fold the edges of the pastry over the apple filling, creating a rustic border, and dot with diced butter for added richness.
Step 6: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for a crunchy finish.
Step 7: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 8: Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bit of vanilla extract or a splash of apple juice to the apple filling. You can also experiment with different spices – a dash of allspice or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile. If you want a crispier crust, you can par-bake the puff pastry for 5-7 minutes before adding the apple filling. Remember to keep an eye on the baking time; every oven can vary!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect contrast to the warm, spiced apples. Pair it with a nice cup of spiced chai tea or a glass of sparkling apple cider for a delightful treat that celebrates the robust flavors.
Nutritional Information
This Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart typically contains around 250-300 calories per slice, depending on portion size and ingredients used. It offers a delightful blend of carbohydrates from the puff pastry and fiber from the apples. While it’s an indulgent treat, the use of fresh fruits keeps it lighter than many other desserts.
Storing Tips & Variations for Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart
To store any leftovers, simply cover the tart with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain the crispiness of the pastry. For variations, consider using pears or a mix of both apples and pears for diverse textures and flavors. You can also switch the spice mix to include pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Conclusion for Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart
This Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart is a must-try recipe that combines comfort and simplicity in every bite. With its beautiful presentation and mouth-watering flavor, it’s perfect for any gathering or family meal. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and prepare this delightful dessert today!
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes! Besides Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, you can use Fuji, Braeburn, or any apple variety you enjoy.
2. How do I make sure my puff pastry doesn’t get soggy?
Make sure to drain excess moisture from the apple filling, and consider par-baking the pastry for better crispiness.
3. Can I prepare this tart in advance?
You can prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble the tart right before baking.
4. Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
5. What can I do with leftover tart?
Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, and enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a snack!
Rustic Spiced Baked Apple Tart
A delightful dessert that beautifully wraps warm spiced apples in flaky puff pastry, perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12-inch square and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it fits nicely and has no tears.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything to create a deliciously aromatic apple filling.
- Spoon the apple filling onto the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border all around.
- Fold the edges of the pastry over the apple filling, creating a rustic border, and dot with diced butter for added richness.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for a crunchy finish.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a splash of apple juice. Experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom. To achieve a crispier crust, par-bake the puff pastry for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg






