Behold the Apple Leaf Tart, a picturesque masterpiece of pastry artistry that captures the essence of autumn in every slice. This exquisite dessert boasts a delicate, flaky crust that melts in your mouth, lovingly enveloping a rich, spiced apple filling.
The apples, tender and fragrant, are kissed with cinnamon and a touch of caramel, offering a sublime balance of sweetness and spice.
A light glaze adds a final touch of elegance, giving the tart a lustrous sheen that invites you to indulge. This tart is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of the humble apple, transformed into a work of edible art that's both comforting and luxurious."
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Leaf Decoration:
- Extra pie dough (you can use the leftover dough from the crust)
- A small leaf-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions:
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt. Add diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until the mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 23cm Aluminum tart pan, pressing the dough into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough.
Assemble the Tart:
- Arrange the apple slices in the tart shell. You can layer them in a spiral pattern for a neat look.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the apples.
Create Leaf Decorations:
- Roll out the remaining dough and use a leaf-shaped cookie cutter to create small leaves.
- Arrange these leaves on top of the apples, creating a decorative pattern.
Bake the Tart:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tart to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your Apple Leaf Tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!