Caramelized Apple Tart

Caramelized apple tart is a dessert that invites you with its warm and comforting aroma, perfect for cool days or moments when you need a sweet indulgence. This recipe brings together simple ingredients but offers a spectacular result, ideal for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let's embark on this adventure together in preparing this delicious tart!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the crust
- 115 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 155 g flour (preferably white wheat flour)
- 60 ml cold water
- A pinch of salt

For the filling
- 4 Golden apples (or other sweet apples, preferably)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- One teaspoon of cinnamon (or to taste)

For brushing
- 1 egg (the egg white is used to brush the dough before adding the filling, and the yolk for brushing on top)
- 1 teaspoon milk

A brief history
Apple tart is a classic dessert, with deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. Apples, versatile and full of flavor, have been used for centuries in making sweets. Caramelization adds a special note, enhancing the fruit's aroma and transforming them into an irresistible treat. This recipe combines simple techniques with accessible ingredients, offering a result that any cooking enthusiast will appreciate.

Preparing the dough
1. Making the dough: In a large bowl, add the cubed butter, flour, and salt. Using a pastry mixer or a fork, mix the ingredients to crumble the butter into the flour without achieving a completely homogeneous consistency. It's important to keep some small pieces of butter, as they will provide a flakier dough.

2. Adding water: Gradually add the cold water, continuously mixing with the fork. The amount of water may vary, so I recommend adding a little at a time until the dough becomes moist but not sticky. It's essential not to use your hands to avoid warming the dough.

3. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, maximum 3 hours. This step will help firm up the butter, providing a perfect texture.

Preparing the filling
4. Peeling the apples: Once the dough has chilled, peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. Choose sweet apples to balance the flavor of the cinnamon.

5. Caramelizing the apples: In a non-stick pan, add the oil and the cut apples. Sprinkle sugar over the apples and let them sauté over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir periodically until the sugar caramelizes and the apples become soft. Finally, add the cinnamon and mix well. Let the filling cool.

Assembling the tart
6. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Divide it into two equal parts. Use a lightly floured surface to roll out the first piece of dough into a sheet that fits the tart pan.

7. Preparing the pan: Grease a round baking dish with butter. Carefully place the first sheet of dough in the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges of the dish.

8. Brushing the crust: Using the egg white, brush the tart crust to create a barrier that will prevent the moisture from the filling from soaking into the dough.

9. Adding the filling: Place the caramelized apple filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly.

10. Covering the tart: Roll out the second sheet of dough and carefully place it over the filling. You can cut slits in the dough with a knife to allow steam to escape during baking. Brushing with the yolk mixed with milk will give a beautiful golden color.

Baking
11. In the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes, or until it is nicely browned on top.

Serving
12. Cooling and serving: Let the tart cool slightly before cutting it. You can serve it plain, dusted with sugar, or with a vanilla sauce for added flavor. It is delicious both warm and cold.

Useful tips
- Variations: You can add other fruits, such as pears or plums, to diversify the flavors. Additionally, adding chopped nuts can bring a crunchy texture.
- Enhancing flavors: For an even more intense taste, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Storing the tart: The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and fiber. Eating apples can support digestive health and help maintain weight. Additionally, cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, bringing extra benefits to this dessert.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of apples? Yes, you can use almost any type of apples. Tart apples, like Granny Smith, will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
- What can I do if the dough is too sticky? Add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the dough may become too tough.
- How can I avoid a crust that is too hard? Make sure not to over-knead the dough and use cold butter. Additionally, proper chilling is essential.

This caramelized apple tart is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience full of warmth and flavor. I invite you to prepare it and enjoy every bite, bringing happiness to the hearts of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!