Caramelized McIntosh Apple Tart
Indulge in this delightful Caramelized McIntosh Apple Tart, a uniquely scrumptious dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of McIntosh apples. This recipe creates a perfectly flaky crust and layers of tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices topped with a creamy finish. Perfect for gatherings, this tart is both visually stunning and deliciously comforting, making it a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, your friends and family will adore this heavenly treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (For the crust)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (For the crust)
margarine
1/4 cup (Cold, for the crust)
shortening
2 tablespoons (Cold, for the crust)
ice water
3-4 tablespoons (For the crust)
sugar
3/4 cup, divided (For the filling and topping)
flour
2 tablespoons (For the filling)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (For the filling)
McIntosh apples
3 lbs (Peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick)
whipping cream
1/2 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the margarine and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough holds together. Avoid overworking the dough.
3
Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it slightly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
4
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to about 1/8-inch thick into a 13-inch circle.
5
Carefully place the rolled pastry into an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim any excess dough from the edges and place the pan back in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
6
Filling: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with the flour and cinnamon. Toss the sliced McIntosh apples in this mixture until well coated.
7
Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping them, starting from the outer edge of the crust and spiraling inwards. Continue layering until the entire crust is covered, finishing with a final apple layer on top.
8
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the apples to soften and the crust to become golden.
9
After the first baking, carefully pour the whipping cream over the tart and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar on top. Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10
Allow the tart to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Caramelized McIntosh Apple Tart?
It is a dessert featuring a flaky crust and layers of tender, cinnamon-spiced McIntosh apples with a creamy finish.
What variety of apples is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for McIntosh apples, known for their natural sweetness.
How many pounds of apples are required?
You will need 3 lbs of McIntosh apples, which should be peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick.
What ingredients make up the tart crust?
The crust consists of all-purpose flour, salt, margarine, shortening, and ice water.
How long should the dough chill before rolling?
The dough should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the tart.
How thick should I roll out the pastry?
The pastry should be rolled to approximately 1/8-inch thick into a 13-inch circle.
What size tart pan is recommended?
An 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom is recommended for this recipe.
What is in the apple filling mixture?
The filling uses 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How should the apple slices be arranged?
Arrange the slices in a circular, slightly overlapping spiral pattern starting from the outer edge.
How long is the initial baking time?
The tart initially bakes for 1 hour to soften the apples and brown the crust.
When is the whipping cream added?
Carefully pour the whipping cream over the tart after the first hour of baking.
How much sugar is used for the topping?
1/4 cup of sugar is sprinkled over the cream before the final 10-minute bake.
How long is the second baking stage?
The tart returns to the oven for an additional 10 minutes after adding the cream and extra sugar.
How should the tart be cooled?
Allow the tart to cool on a wire rack to ensure the crust remains crisp.
Can this tart be served warm?
Yes, it is excellent served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What is the secret to the flaky crust?
Using cold margarine and shortening and avoiding overworking the dough ensures a flaky texture.
Is this a good dessert for gatherings?
Absolutely, its visual appeal and comforting flavor make it a perfect addition to any gathering.
What kind of cream is used for the finish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of whipping cream.
How much total sugar is needed?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sugar in total, divided between the filling and the topping.
What should the crust look like before adding water?
The mixture of flour, salt, and fats should resemble coarse crumbs.
How do I add ice water to the dough?
Add it gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just holds together.
Can I serve the tart at room temperature?
Yes, the tart is delicious both warm and at room temperature.
Is the apple tart a holiday dessert?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday dessert and is perfect for festive occasions.
What tool is used to mix the crust fats?
A pastry blender is used to cut the margarine and shortening into the flour.
How many ingredient items are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredient items required for the tart.
Do I need to grease the tart pan?
The recipe does not specify greasing, as the high fat content in the crust usually prevents sticking.
What is the preparation for the apples?
Apples should be peeled and then sliced to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
Why is the tart pan placed in the fridge before filling?
Chilling the pastry in the pan helps prevent it from shrinking during baking.
What type of category does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as a dessert, specifically a tart.