Description
This Healthy Thanksgiving Apple Tart features a flaky, buttery crust paired with thinly sliced spiced apples arranged in a beautiful rosette pattern. Sweetened naturally with brown and granulated sugars and infused with warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, this dessert is a healthier take on a classic holiday favorite. Perfect for an elegant finish to your Thanksgiving meal, the tart offers a balance of sweet and spicy flavors with a tender yet crisp texture.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), plus 3 tablespoons chilled butter, diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling
- 5 small apples (or 3 large apples)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (additional for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Make the crust dough: Combine the all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of chilled, diced butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the texture resembles small pebbles.
- Add ice water and form dough: Gradually add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, kneading gently after each addition until a dough ball forms.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up the butter and develop the dough.
- Prepare the apples: Core and quarter the apples. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice them into 1/8-inch thick slices for thin, translucent apple pieces.
- Mix the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, ground cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Toss the mixture to ensure the apples are well coated in spices and sugars. Let sit for 45 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes, to soften and allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat and prepare crust base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a round shape suitable for your cast iron skillet or pie plate. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into the pan, pressing evenly along the bottom and up the sides.
- Arrange the apple slices: Drain excess liquid from the apple mixture, then arrange the apple slices on the crust in an overlapping, rosette pattern starting from the outer edge working toward the center for an elegant presentation.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the arranged apples and dot the surface with the 3 tablespoons of chilled diced butter to add richness and promote browning.
- Bake the tart: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and golden, and the crust is crisp and browned.
- Cool and serve: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness.
- Ensure the butter for the crust is very cold to achieve a flaky texture.
- Use a mandoline carefully to get uniform thin slices for the elegant apple pattern.
- If you prefer, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- This tart can be served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
