If you have a soft spot for desserts that look as beautiful as they taste, the Apple Tart from Scratch is your new best friend in the kitchen. This tart combines tender, juicy apple slices with a delicately spiced, buttery crust that you craft yourself, giving each bite a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and flaky texture. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, making an Apple Tart from Scratch transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, comforting masterpiece.

Apple Tart from Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Tart from Scratch lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to highlight the freshness of the apples while layering in cozy fall flavors. From the tartness of lemon juice to the gentle warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, these essentials come together to create a deeply satisfying dessert that’s as inviting as it is delicious.

5 apples (cored, and thinly sliced): Using a mix of red and green tart apples gives the tart a lovely balance of sweetness and tang.
1/3 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the natural apple flavor.
1/2 lemon (juiced): Brightens the filling and helps prevent the apples from browning.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Offers a fresh citrus aroma to balance the spices.
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Gives a subtle spicy zing that elevates the apple filling.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The classic warm spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a delicate nutty flavor that rounds out the spice profile.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet fragrance to the filling.
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the tender yet sturdy tart crust.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering the filling.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds gentle warmth to the crust itself.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the other spices in the crust for harmony.
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and a flaky texture to the dough.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or brown sugar): Sprinkled on top for a pretty, caramelized finish.
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes): Dotted on the filling to create buttery pockets during baking.
1/4 cup peach preserves (or apricot preserves – melted): Brushed on the top after baking to give the tart a glossy, sweet finish.

How to Make Apple Tart from Scratch

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, get your oven ready at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This steady, moderate heat gives the apples time to soften nicely while the crust achieves that irresistible golden color. Preheating is key to making sure everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Carefully wash, dry, core, and thinly slice your apples. If you can, use a mandoline to get uniform slices—they’ll cook consistently and look stunning when arranged. Toss these slices in a large bowl with brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, freshly grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This spiced, fragrant mixture is the heart of the Apple Tart from Scratch, infusing each slice with layers of delicious flavor.

Step 3: Make the Crust

Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add in the melted butter and stir until this forms into a rich dough with a sandy, soft texture. Roll it out gently on a floured surface and press it evenly into a 10 or 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. This shell will support the filling and bake into a crispy, buttery base that perfectly contrasts with the tender apples.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Now comes the fun part. Arrange the apple slices on the crust in a fan or rose pattern, packing them tightly so every slice has its moment to shine. This visual treat is part of the joy of making an Apple Tart from Scratch. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly across the filling and dot with those small cold cubes of butter to create luscious, buttery pockets as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake for about an hour until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender to the touch. Once out of the oven, brush the top generously with melted peach or apricot preserves to add a shiny, sticky glaze that elevates the tart’s look and flavor. Allow it to cool a bit to set up before slicing, so each piece maintains its beautiful shape.

How to Serve Apple Tart from Scratch

Garnishes

Serving this Apple Tart from Scratch with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it into pure dessert heaven. A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar also adds a special touch that complements the tart’s warm spices without overwhelming the delicate apple flavor.

Side Dishes

This tart shines beautifully when paired with a robust cup of coffee or a cozy mug of chai tea. For a brunch or light lunch, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness with some fresh, acidic crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to introduce contrast. Another playful idea is to use mini tart pans for single servings, perfect for parties or a charming gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Tart from Scratch keeps well covered at room temperature for a day, but for longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container. Chilling helps maintain the tart’s structure, and it will keep nicely for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze this tart either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For a warm, freshly baked feel, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, which can make the crust soggy instead of crisp and flaky.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this tart?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith and Pink Lady are ideal for balancing sweetness and preventing mushiness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness level might shift slightly.

Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger really brightens up the filling with its spicy kick, but if you don’t have any on hand, a pinch of ground ginger can work as a substitute. Fresh is best for a lively flavor, though.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the crust dough, press it into the pan, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before adding the filling and baking. Chilling helps the dough stay firm and prevents shrinkage during baking.

What if I don’t have a tart pan with a removable bottom?

No worries. Just line your pan with parchment paper to make removing the tart easier. While a removable bottom is super convenient, proper lining can prevent sticking and still give you a neat presentation.

How do I get perfectly thin apple slices easily?

The best tool is a mandoline slicer, which helps you achieve uniformly thin slices quickly and safely. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and a bit of patience will still do the trick; the key is consistency for even cooking and beautiful arrangement.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Tart from Scratch brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment that goes beyond just baking a dessert. You’re crafting a warm, inviting centerpiece that fills your home with cozy aromas and your loved ones with smiles. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with the way simple ingredients come together to create such a stunning and delicious treat.

Apple Tart from Scratch Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Tart from Scratch features a flaky homemade crust filled with tender, spiced apple slices arranged beautifully in a classic fan pattern. The tart balances the tartness of red and green apples with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh ginger, then finishes with a glossy peach preserve glaze. Perfect for a cozy dessert or elegant brunch treat.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is ready for baking the tart.
Prepare the apples: Wash, dry, core, and thinly slice the apples using a mandoline if possible for uniform thickness. This helps the apples cook evenly and look attractive.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with the brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, freshly grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. This mixture will infuse the apples with bright, warm, and spiced flavors.
Make the crust dough: In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the melted unsalted butter and stir until a cohesive dough forms. Then incorporate the cold butter cubes to add flakiness to the crust.
Roll and press the crust: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough. Press it evenly into a 10 to 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. If your pan does not have a removable bottom, place parchment paper at the bottom for easy removal later. Smooth out any cracks or uneven areas.
Assemble the tart: Arrange the apple slices on top of the crust in a tight fan or rose pattern, starting at the outer edge and working inward. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the fruit and dot with small pieces of butter to enhance browning and flavor.
Bake: Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 1 hour until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender but not mushy.
Brush with preserves and cool: Remove the tart from the oven and immediately brush the apple surface with melted peach or apricot preserves for a beautiful shine and added sweetness. Let the tart cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Using a mix of tart red and green apples provides a balanced flavor and appealing color contrast.
Grating fresh ginger adds a subtle spicy warmth that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
If you don’t have peach or apricot preserves, you can substitute with any light-colored stone fruit jam or simply omit the glaze for a rustic look.
The tart dough uses both melted and cold butter to achieve a tender but flaky crust.
Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
For extra crunch, sprinkle finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American