Fall is here, and that means it’s time for some delicious fall dessert recipes, especially this Easy Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart! I remember one Thanksgiving when my son, Jake, was determined to help in the kitchen. He accidentally spilled flour everywhere but ended up creating a fantastic apple pie alternative. This tart is just as fun and way easier to make, plus it’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a delightful twist on traditional apple desserts.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
- The caramel adds a rich sweetness that complements the tart apples beautifully.
Pure Comfort
This tart brings warmth and joy to any table, making it a pure comfort food that everyone will love.
What You Need
- 1 cup 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (120 g) – Use a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 g) – You can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g) – Dairy-free butter works well for a vegan option.
- 1 1 large egg – Flaxseed meal can be used as a vegan substitute.
- 3 3 large apples, peeled and sliced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for tartness.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup caramel sauce (160 g) – Store-bought or homemade will do.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp cinnamon – Feel free to add nutmeg for extra warmth.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup chopped pecans (30 g) – Walnuts can be a nice substitute if you prefer.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the crust a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures the tart bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and powdered sugar. Stir until well mixed, then add the softened butter. Use your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg to the mixture and mix until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water.
- Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan. Make sure to push it up the sides for a nice crust. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking, as gluten-free crusts can brown quickly.
- While the crust is baking, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon in a bowl. This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the apples.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and layer the cinnamon apples on top. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, letting it seep into the layers.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for a nice crunch. It adds a fantastic texture contrast to the soft apples.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbly. The smell will be divine!
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
Make It Perfect
- For a richer flavor, try using brown butter in the crust.
- If you want a sweeter tart, add a tablespoon of sugar to the apples before baking.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Mix It Up
- Swap apples for pears for a different twist.
- Add dried cranberries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Try adding a layer of cream cheese under the apples for a creamy texture.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced cider.
- Complement with a scoop of caramel ice cream for a double caramel treat.
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FAQs
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Just bake it fresh before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the caramel sauce?
You can use a homemade caramel sauce or even a chocolate sauce for a different flavor.
Is this tart suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic gluten-free dessert option for Thanksgiving that everyone will enjoy.
Conclusion
This Easy Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart Recipe is a must-try this fall. With its warm flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. So gather your loved ones, and enjoy this delightful dessert together!
Easy Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch tart pan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour Use a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar You can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Dairy-free butter works well for a vegan option.
- 1 large egg Flaxseed meal can be used as a vegan substitute.
- 3 large apples, peeled and sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for tartness.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade will do.
- 1 tsp cinnamon Feel free to add nutmeg for extra warmth.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans Walnuts can be a nice substitute if you prefer.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures the tart bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and powdered sugar. Stir until well mixed, then add the softened butter. Use your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg to the mixture and mix until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water.
- Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan. Make sure to push it up the sides for a nice crust. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking, as gluten-free crusts can brown quickly.
- While the crust is baking, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon in a bowl. This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the apples.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and layer the cinnamon apples on top. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, letting it seep into the layers.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for a nice crunch. It adds a fantastic texture contrast to the soft apples.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbly. The smell will be divine!
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.