Caramelized Apple Custard Tart
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Caramelized Apple Custard Tart, a scrumptious dessert that features a buttery pastry crust filled with a rich custard base and topped with tender, caramelized Granny Smith apples. The combination of tangy apples, sweet apricot glaze, and a hint of cognac creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
8
Servings
241
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pie crust
1 (8 inch) (Unbaked and chilled)
Apricot preserves
1/4 cup (Heated until boiling)
Cognac
1/2 tablespoon (Stirred into the apricot preserves)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (Sifted)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Granulated)
Large eggs
2 (Beaten)
Half-and-half cream
3/4 cup (Heated until foamy)
Pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Added to custard mixture)
Apple brandy
1 tablespoon (Added to custard mixture)
Granny Smith apples
1 1/2 lbs (Peeled, cored, and sliced)
Sugar
2 - 4 tablespoons (For sautéing apples)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (Melted in skillet)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (For sprinkling on top)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (Sprinkled on top)
Instructions
1
Prick the bottom of the pie crust and chill it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3
Line the chilled pie crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or beans, evenly distributing the weights across the surface.
4
Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes until it is dry and lightly golden brown.
5
Carefully remove the weights and parchment, then let the crust cool on a wire rack.
6
In a small saucepan, heat the apricot preserves over medium heat until they come to a boil. Remove from heat and strain to eliminate lumps, then stir in the cognac.
7
Once cooled, brush a thin layer of the apricot glaze over the bottom and sides of the tart shell. Allow it to dry for 20 to 30 minutes.
8
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Add the eggs and mix with a wooden spoon until a smooth paste forms.
9
In a separate saucepan, heat the half-and-half over medium heat until it just starts to boil and foam. Gradually whisk the hot cream into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
10
Mix in the apple brandy and vanilla extract, setting the custard mixture aside as you prepare the apples.
11
Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into 1/4-inch thick wedges.
12
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat and stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar. Add the apple slices and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes until they begin to soften. Remove from heat and set aside.
13
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
14
Arrange the sautéed apple wedges in concentric circles on top of the cooled and glazed tart shell, then carefully pour the custard mixture over the apples, filling the tart to just below the top of the pan.
15
Sprinkle the top lightly with cinnamon sugar.
16
Place the tart pan on a larger baking sheet for easy handling and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the custard is set.
17
For a caramelized finish, place the tart under the broiler for a couple of minutes—watching closely to prevent burning. You can protect the tart edges with aluminum foil if necessary.
18
Serve warm, topped with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
29g
Carbs
4g
Protein
12g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Caramelized Apple Custard Tart?
It is a dessert featuring a buttery pastry crust filled with a rich custard base and topped with tender, caramelized Granny Smith apples.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 241 calories, 13g of fat, 29g of carbohydrates, 4g of protein, and 12g of sugar.
Which variety of apple is recommended for this tart?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness and firm texture pair perfectly with the sweet custard.
What size pie crust is required?
You will need one 8-inch unbaked and chilled pie crust.
How should the crust be prepared before baking?
Prick the bottom of the crust and chill it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before pre-baking.
What is the initial oven temperature for the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the initial baking phase.
How do you prevent the crust from rising or bubbling while baking?
Line the chilled crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights or beans.
How long do you bake the empty crust?
Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes until it is dry and lightly golden brown.
What ingredients make up the glaze?
The glaze is made from 1/4 cup of apricot preserves and 1/2 tablespoon of cognac.
How do you prepare the apricot glaze?
Heat the preserves until boiling, strain to remove lumps, and then stir in the cognac.
How long should the glaze dry on the tart shell?
Once brushed onto the shell, allow the glaze to dry for 20 to 30 minutes.
What ingredients are in the custard base?
The custard consists of all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, half-and-half cream, vanilla extract, and apple brandy.
How do you mix the custard to avoid curdling?
Gradually whisk the hot half-and-half into the egg and flour mixture while stirring constantly.
How should the apples be sliced?
Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick wedges.
How are the apples caramelized?
Sauté the slices in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar for 5 to 10 minutes.
What is the final baking temperature?
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the final assembly bake.
How are the apples arranged in the tart?
Arrange the sautéed apple wedges in concentric circles on top of the glazed tart shell.
How full should the tart shell be when adding custard?
Pour the custard over the apples until it fills the tart to just below the top of the pan.
What is sprinkled on top before the final bake?
Sprinkle the top lightly with a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon.
How long does the assembled tart bake?
Bake the assembled tart for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the custard is set.
How can I achieve a caramelized finish on top?
Place the tart under the broiler for a couple of minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
How can I protect the crust edges during broiling?
You can use aluminum foil to cover and protect the tart edges while broiling.
What are the best serving suggestions?
Serve the tart warm with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, the recipe uses small amounts of cognac in the glaze and apple brandy in the custard.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs.
How much butter is used for the apples?
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter are used for sautéing the apples.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of cream is used for the custard?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of half-and-half cream.
What tags describe this recipe?
Dessert, tart, apple, custard, baking, fruit, fall, sweet, and delicious.