If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, this Apple Rose Tart Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine delicate apple slices, artfully arranged to resemble roses, resting on a tender, buttery crust that’s lightly sweetened and kissed with a hint of cinnamon. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a texture that’s both flaky and tender. This Apple Rose Tart Recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it ideal for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself in something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the beautiful flavors, textures, and stunning look of the tart. From the flaky crust to the fragrant cinnamon-spiced apples, every component shines.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the tender, flaky crust that holds our tart together.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough for balance.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the crust from tasting flat.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Provides a light lift to the crust, so it’s neither dense nor heavy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled (8 Tbsp): Key for a rich, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
- 1 large egg, chilled: Binds the dough while adding richness and helping with structure.
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled: Gives the dough moisture and tenderness without weighing it down.
- 1 lb Granny Smith apples (about 3 medium apples): Their bright tartness and firm texture make the perfect rose petals.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples just enough and caramelizes beautifully when baked.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the apples with warm, cozy spice that elevates the whole tart.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Dotted on top to create a golden, slightly crisp finish with rich flavor.
How to Make Apple Rose Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F and buttering a 9″ springform pan to prevent sticking. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure your crust is light and uniform in texture. Then, dice the chilled butter and cut it into the flour mixture with a pastry blender until the butter pieces are about the size of peas. This technique is crucial—it creates the flaky layers everyone loves.
Step 2: Bring the Dough Together
In a small bowl, beat the chilled egg until smooth, then whisk in the heavy cream. Pour this mixture over the flour and butter, folding gently with a spatula just until the dough starts to come together. Avoid over-mixing to keep the crust tender. Transfer the dough into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but sealing the edges helps catch all those luscious apple juices later.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Slices
Peel, core, and very thinly slice the Granny Smith apples—about 1/16 of an inch thick is ideal. Toss the slices gently in a bowl with the cinnamon and sugar mix, coating every slice in that warm, fragrant spice and subtle sweetness. This simple step transforms your apples into the star filling of the Apple Rose Tart Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Roses
Now for the fun, artistic part! Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles starting with the larger slices on the outer edge and gradually layering smaller ones as you move inward, overlapping them halfway like delicate rose petals. When you reach about a half-inch of space in the center, layer three thin apple slices together lengthwise, roll them tightly into a rosebud shape, and place it right in the middle of the tart. Dot the top with small cubes of butter to add richness during baking. Place your springform pan on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any juicy drips, then bake for 30 minutes until golden and fragrant.
How to Serve Apple Rose Tart Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze of apricot jam brushed over the warm tart creates a beautiful shimmer that enhances both flavor and presentation. Fresh mint leaves scattered around add a burst of color and freshness that complements the warm spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tartness of the apples. For something lighter, a simple bowl of fresh berries or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can make your dessert course feel elegantly complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests even more, serve individual slices on pretty plates with a sprig of rosemary or edible flowers nearby. You can also drizzle a little caramel or honey around the edge for an extra touch of decadence. Sharing this Apple Rose Tart Recipe becomes a memory when presentation is just as thoughtful as flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Rose Tart can be kept covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The crust might soften slightly but the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
This tart freezes well if wrapped securely in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month, and when ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth and crisp crust, reheat slices in a 350˚F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the crust a bit soggy. You want that buttery crunch to shine through!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the Apple Rose Tart Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a lovely tartness and firm texture perfect for thin slicing, you can also try Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier flavor. Just be sure the slices hold their shape well to maintain the rose design.
Is it necessary to chill the butter and cream?
Yes, chilling the butter and cream helps create a tender, flaky crust. Warm ingredients can cause the butter to melt too quickly, resulting in a dense or greasy dough rather than beautifully layered pastry.
How thin should the apple slices be?
Slicing the apples about 1/16 inch thin is ideal for flexibility and creating the rose effect without breaking. A mandoline slicer makes this step easier and more uniform, but careful knife work works well too.
Can I make the crust in advance?
You can prepare the dough up to the point of spreading it in the pan and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Then bring to room temperature before assembling the apple roses.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A regular 9″ tart or pie pan will work too, though the ease of removing the tart from a springform pan is great for presentation. Just be sure to butter it well or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Rose Tart Recipe is such a rewarding experience because it turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that looks almost too beautiful to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, the combination of flaky crust, cinnamon-sweetened apples, and that charming rose centerpiece will not disappoint. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite recipe to share with everyone you love.
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Apple Rose Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This elegant Apple Rose Tart recipe transforms thinly sliced Granny Smith apples into beautifully arranged rose-shaped layers atop a tender, buttery crust. Perfect for a stunning dessert, this tart combines delicate flavors of cinnamon and sugar, baked to golden perfection in a springform pan. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a sophisticated homemade pastry.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled (8 Tbsp)
- 1 large egg, chilled
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
For the Filling and Topping
- 1 lb Granny Smith apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, diced (for dotting the top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Dice the chilled butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until the butter pieces resemble peas, about 1-2 minutes. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork and add the heavy cream, stirring to blend. Pour this mixture over the flour and fold gently with a spatula just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
- Form the Tart Base: Transfer the dough to the prepared springform pan. Spread it out evenly, sealing the edges as best as possible to contain apple juices during baking, even if the surface is not perfectly smooth.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly (approximately 1/16 inch thick). Place the slices in a large bowl. In a small ramekin, mix sugar with cinnamon then sprinkle this over the apples, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Apple Roses: Arrange the apple slices in concentric rings on top of the dough, starting with the largest slices around the edge and overlapping them halfway. Leave about a 1/2 inch space in the center. Layer three thin apple slices in a long strip, then roll them together into a rose shape and place this in the center of the tart.
- Apply Butter and Bake: Dot the top of the assembled tart with the diced butter pieces. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any juices. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, which hold their shape well when baked.
- Thin slicing the apples is key to pliable slices that can be rolled into rose shapes.
- Chilling the butter and cream helps achieve a tender, flaky crust.
- Using a springform pan helps release the tart easily without damaging its delicate shape.
- Line the baking sheet with foil under the pan to catch any overflowing juices for easier cleanup.
