Alton Brown Apple Tart Recipe

Alton Brown Apple Tart Recipe is made with apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, flour, and butter. This recipe creates a sweet and buttery fruit tart with a crisp crust and tender filling. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

Alton Brown Apple Tart Recipe Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 5 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

For the Crust:

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 10 Tbsp. butter, melted

Finishing:

• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp. butter, cut into small cubes
• Melted apricot preserves

How To Make Alton Brown Apple Tart Recipe

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Apples: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
2. Make the Crust: In another bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until dough forms.
3. Press Dough Into Pan: Press dough evenly into a 10” or 11” tart pan with a removable bottom, smoothing it out with your hands.
4. Assemble Tart: Arrange the apple slices over the crust, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and dot with butter cubes.
5. Bake the Tart: Bake until the crust is golden and apples are tender, about 1 hour.
6. Finish and Serve: Brush the warm tart with melted apricot preserves. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Firm Apples: Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain shape and texture when baked.
• Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough is too soft, a quick chill can make pressing into the pan easier.
• Even Slicing: Slice apples evenly to ensure they bake uniformly.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Brushing a little apricot preserve on the crust before adding apples can help.
• Add a Spice Twist: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile.

What To Serve With Apple Tart

This tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For drinks, try serving with hot tea, apple cider, or dessert wine.

How To Store Apple Tart

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a low oven for best texture.
Freeze: Wrap the whole tart or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Apple Tart Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 140mg

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for this tart?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn work well for texture and flavor balance.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and reheat gently in the oven before serving.

Is the crust sweet or savory?
The crust is lightly sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, making it perfect for desserts.

Can I substitute the apricot preserves?
Yes, try apple jelly or orange marmalade if you don’t have apricot preserves.

Do I need a tart pan with a removable bottom?
It’s recommended for easy release, but you can use a pie dish if necessary.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Apple Strudel Recipe
• Alton Brown Apple Sauce Recipe
• Alton Brown Apple Pie Crust Recipe