Hey y’all! Get ready to savor the sweet, gooey, and utterly irresistible charm of this Caramel Apple Tart. With a buttery, flaky crust, layers of tender apples, and a rich caramel drizzle, this homemade tart is the ideal dessert for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or sweet cravings anytime. Whether you’re a baking pro or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is simple and foolproof—resulting in bakery-worthy results. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Tart
- Easy to make with straightforward steps and everyday ingredients.
- Buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the gooey caramel and tender apples.
- A show-stopping dessert for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight treats.
- Customize it with your favorite apples or alternative toppings.
- Irresistible aroma and gorgeous presentation every time!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Tart
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 8 ounces)
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup jarred or homemade caramel sauce (see homemade recipe)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
How to Make Caramel Apple Tart: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry and gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth out the creases, to about a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Place the pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edges (don’t cut all the way through).
- Brush the border with the egg wash for a golden, shiny edge.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with flour, sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Arrange the apple slices in overlapping rows inside the scored border of the pastry.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the apples.
Step 3: Bake the Caramel Apple Tart
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the apples are tender.
- Remove from the oven. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Caramel
- Drizzle the slightly cooled tart generously with caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired for that classic salted caramel flavor.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Caramel Apple Tart
- For homemade caramel, try this easy recipe for added depth of flavor.
- Slice apples uniformly for even baking and a beautiful presentation.
- If using store-bought puff pastry, let it thaw in the fridge, not on the counter, to prevent sticking. Learn more on King Arthur Baking.
Caramel Apple Tart Variations
- Rustic Caramel Apple Galette: Free-form the tart without a border on a baking sheet for a more rustic look.
- Nutty Caramel Apple Tart: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before baking.
- Spiced Pear and Apple Tart: Substitute half the apples with ripe pears and add a pinch of nutmeg.
Required Equipment for Caramel Apple Tart
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan (if making homemade caramel)
Storage Instructions – Caramel Apple Tart
- Store leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slices in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the crust.
- Freezing is not recommended, as puff pastry may lose its flakiness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Caramel Apple Tart
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for classic à la mode style.
- Whip up fresh cream and a dash of cinnamon for an elegant finishing touch.
- Enjoy with a mug of hot apple cider or a cup of fresh-brewed coffee.
Pro Tips for Best Caramel Apple Tart Results
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for the perfect sweet-tart flavor balance.
- Don’t overload the tart with apples—thin, even layers bake best. For more apple baking techniques, see Bon Appétit’s guide.
- Allow the tart to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to prevent the caramel from running.
FAQ: Caramel Apple Tart
- Can I make Caramel Apple Tart ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the tart up to one day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and warm before serving for best texture.
- Which apple variety is best for a tart?
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples are favored for their firm texture and balance of tartness and sweetness.
- How do I prevent my tart crust from getting soggy?
- Be sure to use a light hand with the apple filling and avoid excess moisture. Scoring the pastry border also helps contain juices.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour.
-
2Roll out the puff pastry to fit the baking sheet. Transfer the pastry to the prepared sheet.
-
3Arrange the sliced apples over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border. In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt; sprinkle over the apples.
-
4Drizzle melted butter and 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apples. Fold the pastry edges slightly over the filling.
-
5Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the apples are tender.
-
6Let cool slightly, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce before slicing and serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
310 caloriescal
Protein:
3gg
Fat:
15gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
42gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
