Caramel Apple Tart Recipes

Caramel Apple Tart Recipes 

Caramel apple tarts are the perfect dessert for cozy nights, fall celebrations, or just because you love the blend of crisp apples and gooey caramel wrapped in flaky pastry. From the elegance of a classic tart to the charm of a rustic galette and the ease of bite-sized puff pastries, there's a caramel apple tart recipe to suit every mood and skill level. Here are three mouthwatering versions, each offering its own delicious take on this crowd-pleasing treat.

1. Classic Caramel Apple Tart with Shortcrust Pastry

This tart is an elegant showstopper, perfect for dinner parties or holiday tables. The shortcrust base gives it a buttery, tender bite, and the apples are arranged in a spiral for a stunning visual effect.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg yolk

1–2 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

4–5 firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the caramel sauce:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons water

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Make the crust:

In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in egg yolk and just enough ice water to bring the dough together. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough and press into a 9-inch tart pan. Chill while preparing the filling.

Make the filling:

Peel and slice apples thinly. Toss with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.

Assemble the tart:

Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles over the crust. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the apples are tender and golden.

Make the caramel sauce:

Heat sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until deep amber. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt.

Finish:

Drizzle warm caramel over the cooled tart before serving.

Serving tip: Pair with vanilla ice cream for a luxurious finish.

2. Rustic Caramel Apple Galette (Freeform Tart)

This free-form galette is the perfect balance between rustic charm and gourmet flavor. It's simpler than a traditional tart, but just as impressive.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

3 apples, peeled and sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the caramel glaze:

1/3 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce

1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions:

Prepare the dough:

Blend flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Add ice water until dough comes together. Shape into a disk and chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper. Transfer to a baking sheet.

Make the filling:

Toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Spread in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.

Fold the edges:

Gently fold the dough edges over the apples, pleating as you go. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown.

Glaze:

Warm caramel sauce with cream and drizzle over the tart while warm.

Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for a salted caramel twist.

3. Mini Puff Pastry Caramel Apple Tarts

For a quick, flaky treat that looks fancy but takes minimal effort, these mini tarts use store-bought puff pastry and are perfect for brunches or snacks.

Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

2 medium apples, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon flour

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 egg (for egg wash)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the puff pastry:

Cut pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Place them on the baking sheet and lightly score a border about 1/2 inch from the edges of each rectangle (don’t cut all the way through).

Prepare the filling:

Toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.

Assemble the tarts:

Arrange apple slices in the center of each puff pastry piece. Brush edges with egg wash.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffed.

Top with caramel:

Drizzle caramel over each tart after baking. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Bonus idea: Serve with whipped cream or mascarpone for an elevated treat.

Tips for Success Across All Recipes

Choose the right apples: Firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold up well when baked and balance the sweetness of caramel.

Don’t overfill the tart: Especially with puff pastry or rustic styles, keeping the filling even and not overly juicy ensures crisp, flaky results.

Use homemade caramel for a rich flavor: If you have time, making caramel from scratch enhances the flavor. But good-quality store-bought caramel works just fine in a pinch.

Let tarts cool slightly before serving: This helps the caramel set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

Caramel apple tarts offer a nostalgic, sweet, and comforting bite that’s hard to resist. Whether you go for the precision of a classic shortcrust tart, the rustic charm of a galette, or the convenience of mini puff pastry tarts, each recipe delivers the perfect blend of buttery pastry, spiced apples, and rich caramel. Try all three and see which one becomes your go-to fall favorite—or rotate them through the season to satisfy every craving!

Helpful Reading 

Carrot Cake Recipes and Cornbread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Cake-Recipes-Cornbread-Breakfast-ebook/dp/B0DJFHM3QQ

Phyllo Dough Breakfast and Dessert Recipes and Meatloaf Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllo-Dessert-Breakfast-Recipes-Meatloaf-ebook/dp/B0DMKZF4ZD/

Cubed Steak Recipes and Recipes for Sauces 

https://www.amazon.com/Cubed-Steak-Recipes-Sauces-Delicious-ebook/dp/B0DS55K36N/

Salmon Recipes and Potato Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Salmon-Recipes-Potato-Boxed-Family-ebook/dp/B0DBMLNDPJ/