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Apple Tart with Apple Butter
Alyssa

Apple Tart with Apple Butter

Savor a delightful apple tart made with rich apple butter and a flaky crust—perfect for a sweet dessert that celebrates fall flavors.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For Pie Crust:
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter cold – this will create a flaky texture essential for a great tart crust.
  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – the base of the crust providing structure.
  • 1/4 tsp salt – enhances flavor balancing the sweetness of the tart.
  • 1/4 cup cold water – helps bind the dough without making it too warm.
For Filling:
  • 1 cup apple butter – serves as a rich and flavorful base bringing sweetness and moisture.
  • 3 to 4 large apples thinly sliced – for an ideal mix of tart and sweet flavors. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice – prevents apple slices from browning and adds a refreshing tang.
  • 2 tsp cornstarch – helps thicken the filling and maintains the tart’s integrity.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon – adds warmth and draws out the apple's natural flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp each: nutmeg all-spice – these spices complement the apples and bring a sense of fall to the tart.
  • Sprinkle of ground cloves – a small amount adds depth and richness to the flavor profile.
  • 2 to 3 tbsp sugar – sweetens the apple slices without overpowering their natural taste.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Tart Crust: Start by cubing 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and placing it into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes until it’s ice cold. Once chilled, place the butter in a food processor along with 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp of salt. Pulse together for a few minutes until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
  2. With the food processor running, gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water and mix until a dough ball forms, approximately for 30 seconds. Carefully remove the dough, place it on a sheet of plastic wrap, and shape it into a disk. Wrap well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it rest.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch tart tin. Lightly flour a work surface and rolling pin.
  4. Roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 1/4-inch thick, leaving 1 to 1 1/2 inches of dough around the edge. Gently roll the dough onto the rolling pin and then unroll it into the tart tin. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan evenly, and pierce the bottom with a fork. Optionally, you can shape leftover dough into decorative leaves for the tart top.
  5. Prepare the Tart Filling: Spread 1 cup of apple butter evenly over the prepared crust. Thinly slice 3 to 4 large apples using a sharp knife or mandoline, and fan out 5 to 6 slices at a time, arranging them from the edge of the tart inward.
  6. Combine 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 2 tsp of cornstarch, and the spices (1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp all-spice, and a sprinkle of ground cloves) in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple slices, along with 2 to 3 tbsp of sugar.
  7. Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the apples are softened and golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.