Caramel Apple Crumble Tart: A Sweet and Spiced Delight

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There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of buttery crusts, tender spiced apples, rich caramel sauce, and a crispy crumble topping. The Caramel Apple Crumble Tart brings all these elements together, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall evening or a festive holiday gathering.

This tart strikes a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The slight tartness of baked apples pairs perfectly with the deep, sweet notes of caramel, while the crumble adds a delightful crunch. Plus, it’s as satisfying to look at as it is to eat—golden, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible.

But it’s not just about taste; this dessert is surprisingly versatile. You can tweak it to fit your preferences, try it with different apple varieties, or even turn it into individual mini tarts. And the best part? It’s simpler to make than it looks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of creating the ultimate Caramel Apple Crumble Tart—from choosing the right ingredients to ensuring your tart turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need For Caramel Apple Crumble Tart

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Caramel Apple Crumble Tart

For the Tart Crust:

  • All-purpose flour – The base of your crust, ensuring a tender and flaky texture.
  • Cold unsalted butter – Key to achieving that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
  • Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
  • Salt – Balances the flavors perfectly.
  • Ice water – Helps bind the dough without overworking it.

For the Spiced Apple Filling:

  • Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Provide a balance of tartness and sweetness, holding their shape when baked.
  • Brown sugar – Deepens the flavor with molasses undertones.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg – Add warmth and spice, perfect for a fall dessert.
  • Cornstarch or flour – Thickens the apple mixture and prevents excess liquid from sogging the crust.
  • Lemon juice – Keeps the apples from browning and enhances their natural flavor.

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • Granulated sugar – The base for a smooth caramel.
  • Unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor.
  • Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy texture.
  • Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.

For the Crumble Topping:

  • Old-fashioned oats – Adds texture and crunch.
  • Brown sugar – Sweetens the crumble with a caramel-like taste.
  • Unsalted butter – Helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
  • All-purpose flour – Binds the crumble together.

Selecting the Best Apples for Baking

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Here are some excellent options for this tart:

  • Granny Smith: Their tart flavor and firm texture make them ideal for balancing the sweetness of caramel.
  • Honeycrisp: Slightly sweet with a firm bite, these are perfect for those who prefer a sweeter filling.
  • Fuji or Braeburn: Another great choice for those who enjoy sweeter, aromatic apples.

Tip: Mixing apple varieties can create a dynamic flavor profile that combines sweet, tart, and crisp notes.

Tools to Make the Process Seamless

  • Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients at every step.
  • Rolling pin: To roll out the tart dough evenly.
  • Tart pan with a removable bottom: Ensures easy removal and a professional-looking presentation.
  • Pastry cutter or food processor: Helps cut butter into the flour for the crust.
  • Mandoline slicer: Optional but great for slicing apples thinly and evenly.
  • Baking sheet: To catch any drips while baking the tart.

Step-by-Step Recipe

How to Make a Caramel Apple Crumble Tart

Preparing the Buttery Tart Crust (30 minutes)

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
  2. Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add ice water: Gradually mix in 4–5 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
  4. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
  5. Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick.
  6. Fit into the tart pan: Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press it into the edges and trim any excess. Chill the crust while you prepare the filling and toppings.

Making the Spiced Apple Filling (15 minutes)

  1. Slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice 5–6 medium apples (about 6 cups) into thin wedges or slices.
  2. Mix the spices: In a large bowl, toss the apples with ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or flour), and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
  3. Set aside: Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. This allows the apples to release some of their juices, ensuring the filling isn’t overly wet.

Crafting the Rich Caramel Sauce (20 minutes)

  1. Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden amber color.
  2. Add the butter: Carefully stir in 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter (it will bubble vigorously).
  3. Incorporate the cream: Slowly pour in ½ cup of heavy cream while stirring. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Finish with vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.

Topping it with a Crispy Crumble (10 minutes)

  1. Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
  2. Cut in the butter: Add ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.

Assembling and Baking the Tart (50 minutes)

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Layer the tart: Remove the chilled crust from the fridge. Arrange the spiced apple slices evenly inside the crust. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
  3. Add the crumble topping: Sprinkle the oat crumble mixture generously over the apples.
  4. Bake the tart: Place the tart on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 40–50 minutes or until the crust and topping are golden brown, and the caramel is bubbling.
  5. Cool and serve: Let the tart cool for 20 minutes before removing it from the tart pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Caramel Apple Crumble Tart

Preventing a Soggy Bottom

  • Blind bake the crust.
  • Drain excess apple juices.
  • Dust the crust with almond flour or breadcrumbs.

Achieving the Perfect Caramel Consistency

  • Use medium heat and keep stirring.
  • Add butter and cream slowly.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Crumble Tart

How do you keep apple tarts from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the crust, use cornstarch, and layer with almond flour.

Can you freeze apple crumble tarts?

Yes, freeze before or after baking!

Conclusion

Try this recipe and wow your guests! Let us know your thoughts below!

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