Description
This Vegan Apple Tart is a delightful plant-based dessert featuring a tender, flaky pastry crust filled with thinly sliced apples coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfectly baked to tender perfection and glazed with apricot jam, it serves as a comforting and elegant treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose plain flour (note: can use gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter or margarine, chilled
- 3 tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar (brown sugar or coconut sugar can substitute)
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water, as needed
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar (brown sugar or coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose plain flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 4–5 apples (cored, of choice)
- Dash of lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 3 tablespoons (60g) apricot jam (light-colored preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the tart pan: Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) loose-bottom tart pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the tart after baking.
- Make the pastry dough: In a medium bowl or food processor, combine the flour, chilled vegan butter, and sugar until just combined. Gradually drizzle cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together but is not sticky.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the pastry into a large circle about 1/4 inch (5 mm) thick. Transfer the dough to the tart pan and press it into the base and sides, trimming off any excess. Patch any holes with leftover pastry if needed.
- Prepare for blind baking: Prick the base of the tart shell with a fork. Line it with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans/rice to keep the crust from puffing. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar filling: Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Remove half of this mixture into a separate bowl and stir 1 tablespoon of flour into one of the bowls; this will be the base layer for the tart.
- Slice the apples: Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, thinly slice the apples approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Optionally, toss the slices with a dash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get ready for baking.
- Blind bake the crust: Bake the tart shell for 10-15 minutes. Once slightly cooled, carefully remove the parchment and weights.
- Assemble the tart base: Sprinkle the floury cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the blind-baked crust.
- Arrange the apples: Layer the apple slices tightly over the tart base to account for shrinkage during baking. Brush the slices with melted vegan butter, and if any butter remains, drizzle it over the top.
- Finish topping: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the arranged apples to add sweetness and spice.
- Bake the tart: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling bubbles gently.
- Glaze the tart: While still warm, brush the surface of the tart with apricot jam using a pastry brush to give it a beautiful shine and added flavor.
- Serve and store: Cut the tart with a sharp knife (and scissors if needed) and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with vegan ice cream, whipped cream, or dairy-free yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as it affects apple texture.
Notes
- Note 1: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Note 2: Chilled vegan butter is crucial for achieving a flaky pastry texture.
- Note 3: Use your preferred apple variety; tart apples like Granny Smith work well for balance.
- Note 4: Avoid overworking the pastry dough to keep it tender and flaky.
- Optional lemon juice helps prevent apple slices from browning.
- Pie weights can be replaced with dried beans, rice, or lentils for blind baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan apple tart, plant-based apple tart, cinnamon apple tart, vegan dessert, fruit tart, easy vegan tart
