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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg yolk - 2-3 tablespoons cold water - 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel) - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel) - ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel) - A pinch of salt (for caramel)

Classic Caramel Apple Tart

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Heavenly Caramel Apple Tart recipe. Featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling, this tart is elevated by a rich homemade caramel sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this delightful dessert will impress your family and friends. Explore the joy of making it from scratch and savor each delicious bite.
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Ingredients
  

For the Tart Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 large egg yolk

2-3 tablespoons ice water

A pinch of salt

For the Apple Filling:

4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

For Garnish (Optional):

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

Instructions
 

Make the Tart Crust:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

      - Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water, stirring gently until the dough begins to come together. If the dough remains too crumbly, incrementally add more ice water, one teaspoon at a time.

        - Gather the dough into a disk shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

          Prepare the Apple Filling:

            - In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice. Drizzle with melted unsalted butter and mix well to coat the apples. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Roll Out the Crust:

                - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

                  - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled tart dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough that hangs over the edges.

                    Blind Bake the Crust:

                      - Line the pastry with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent bubbling. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment and weights, and return it to the oven to bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until it achieves a golden brown color. Once baked, let the crust cool completely.

                        Assemble the Tart:

                          - Evenly layer the apple filling into the cooled tart shell. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.

                            Make the Caramel Sauce:

                              - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden amber color. Be cautious not to let it burn.

                                - Immediately add the butter pieces to the melted sugar, stirring until dissolved. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously—beware of the steam! Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until the sauce is smooth. Let it sit to cool slightly.

                                  Finish the Tart:

                                    - Once the tart is out of the oven, generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the baked apples. Allow the sauce to set for a few minutes before slicing.

                                      Serve:

                                        - Slice the tart and serve it warm, pairing each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

                                          Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 8