Apple pie

Apple Cinnamon Tart – a dessert that blends warmth and sweetness, perfect for autumn evenings

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

When we think of autumn, the first images that come to mind are those of fallen leaves, the smell of smoke from the fireplace, and, most importantly, the delicious desserts that bring warmth to our souls. The apple cinnamon tart is such a dessert that delights our senses. This classic recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing for adaptations to individual tastes. Let’s see together how we can prepare this treat!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 120 g butter or margarine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 200-250 g flour

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (choose a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 5 tablespoons strawberry syrup (for added flavor)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step by step – Preparing the apple tart

Step 1: Preparing the dough

Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine room temperature butter (or margarine) with sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until you achieve a creamy texture.

Add the grated orange zest to provide a fresh and aromatic taste. This will add a refined note and perfectly complement the apple flavors.

Finally, gradually incorporate the flour and cold water, mixing until the dough is smooth. Form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for one hour. This step is essential for achieving a tender and manageable dough.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

Meanwhile, let’s take care of the delicious filling. Wash and peel the apples, then cut them into small cubes. Place them in a pot, add the strawberry syrup and sugar. Put the pot over medium heat and let the apples soften for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The sugar will start to melt, creating a delicious syrup.

In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. This will help thicken the filling. Add the cornstarch mixture to the warm apples and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the filling becomes denser. Finally, add the vanilla sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Assembling the tart

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll out about 3/4 of it on a floured surface, forming a round sheet. Transfer the sheet to a greased and floured round baking pan, ensuring to cover the edges well.

Use a fork to poke the dough here and there to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden.

Step 4: Adding the filling

After the dough has baked slightly, remove the pan from the oven and pour in the apple filling, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle vanilla sugar and cinnamon on top to enhance the flavor. From the remaining dough, cut out fun shapes (flowers, stars, or hearts) and place them on top of the filling for an attractive look.

Step 5: Final baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tart is golden and appetizing. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will be simply irresistible!

Step 6: Serving

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This apple tart is perfect warm, but also delicious cold, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Helpful tips

- Choosing apples: Opt for different types of apples for a more complex filling. Sweet and tart apples complement each other perfectly.
- Strawberry syrup: If you don’t have strawberry syrup, you can also use raspberry syrup or even peach compote to add another level of sweetness.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for an interesting texture. Additionally, a teaspoon of vanilla extract fits perfectly in the filling.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, while cinnamon has antioxidant properties. This tart offers you not only a wonderful taste but also valuable nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Pears or peaches are excellent options. Just be sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits used.
- How can I store the tart? The tart can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crisp texture.
- What drinks pair well with apple tart? A warm fruit tea or a spiced mulled wine pairs perfectly with this tart, bringing a touch of comfort and warmth.

So, don’t hesitate any longer! Prepare this apple cinnamon tart and turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary culinary experience. Enjoy!