Caramelized Apple Tart

Caramelized Apple Tart: A Fall Delight

Caramelized apple tart is a dessert that reminds us of the cool autumn days when apples are at their peak flavor. This recipe is perfect for celebrating the autumn fruit season, but you can make it anytime you're craving a quick and tasty dessert. Whether you serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or refreshing ice cream, the tart will surely impress with its sweet aroma and crunchy texture.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients for the dough:
- 5 tablespoons sour cream (or yogurt, milk)
- 5 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- flour as needed (about 200 g)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 2-3 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden, depending on preference)
- 150 g sugar (for caramel)

Making the caramelized apple tart

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, beat the egg with the sugar until it becomes a fluffy, light-colored foam. It's important to be patient at this stage, as the air incorporated will make the dough fluffier. Add the sour cream and oil, continuing to mix.

Step 2: Incorporating the dry ingredients
In the same bowl, add the baking powder and salt. Mix well, then start adding flour gradually until the dough becomes homogeneous and easy to shape. Remember that it is essential not to add too much flour, as the dough should be slightly sticky to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 3: Chilling the dough
Once you have obtained the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to roll out and will contribute to a crunchier crust.

Step 4: Preparing the apples
While the dough is chilling, peel the apples and slice them thinly. Choose the apples based on your taste; tart apples will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.

Step 5: Caramelizing the sugar
In a saucepan, place the sugar over medium heat and let it caramelize. Be careful, as the sugar can burn very quickly. When it turns golden, add the apple slices, gently stirring to coat the apples with caramel. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft.

Step 6: Assembling the tart
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until you have a sheet large enough to cover the bottom of a tart pan. Place the caramelized apple slices in the pan, making sure to keep the caramel from the saucepan. Cover the apples with the dough sheet and gently press the edges to seal the tart.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the tart for 20-30 minutes or until the dough becomes golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible!

Step 8: Inverting the tart
Once the tart is ready, let it cool for a few minutes, then place it upside down on a platter. The caramel will drizzle over the apples, giving them a delicious shine.

Serving suggestions
The caramelized apple tart can be served plain or with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, adding some cherries from a compote, as I did, brings a pleasant contrast and a note of acidity.

Practical tips
- Use apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the apple mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- If you want to experiment, replace some of the flour with ground almonds for a different texture and taste.

Nutritional information
A serving of caramelized apple tart (1/8 of the tart) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, and the caramel adds a touch of energy from natural sugars.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Sure! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries. Each variation will bring a different note to the tart.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week, covered with plastic wrap.

3. What drinks pair well with the tart?
A cup of fruit tea or a sweet wine pairs wonderfully with the tart's flavor. Additionally, a fresh lemonade can provide a refreshing contrast.

In conclusion, caramelized apple tart is not just a simple and quick dessert, but also a way to bring joy to every meal. Try this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a delight that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!