Mary’s Rustic Caramel Apple Tart

An easy, foolproof recipe, which is why it was Mary’s favorite! The crust is crispy and buttery…enjoy with vanilla ice cream a la mode.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup (115g; 1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ice cold water*

 

Apple Topping

  • 2 – 3 large apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch slices (about 4–5 cups slices). Cook in a pot with butter to first soften or use canned apples

  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar

  • 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (12g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Salted caramel sauce

  • Egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon milk

Instructions

  • Make the crust: Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter or a couple forks, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. Add the water and stir until the flour is moistened. Add 1 more Tablespoon of water if the dough seems dry. Gently knead the dough a few times on a lightly floured work surface until it all comes together. Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a thick disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days (or freeze up to 3 months).

  • As the dough chills, prepare the filling: Mix the apples, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Cover tightly and let sit until the dough is ready. I usually cover it and keep in the refrigerator during this time.

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

  • On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle (or any shape, really!). Trim the rim of the circle to make a clean cut if desired. Transfer dough to the prepared baking sheet.

  • Arrange the apples (not the juices) into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-3 inch border all around. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the apples, overlapping the dough as necessary. Press gently to seal the edges. Drizzle 3 Tablespoons of salted caramel over the filling (not the crust). Brush the crust edges with egg wash and sprinkle the whole thing with walnuts, if using.

  • Bake until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown, about 35-38 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

  • Serve with extra salted caramel sauce drizzled on top and enjoy with ice cream

  • Before taking your first bite, be sure to raise a fork in the air and say, “To Mary!”