Vegan Apple Tart

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s simple yet impressive, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Vegan Apple Tart is a warm hug on a plate, filled with juicy caramelized apples and nestled in a buttery shortcrust pastry. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Plus, you only need six common pantry ingredients to whip it up!

I love how this Vegan Apple Tart can bring everyone together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening with loved ones or serving it at your next dinner party, it’s sure to impress. The sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting for a slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, this tart comes together quickly and easily.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of caramelized apples and buttery crust creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will adore.
• Family-Friendly: This dessert is a hit with both kids and adults alike; it’s hard to resist a slice!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tart in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with vegan ice cream or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at these simple, wholesome ingredients that make up this Vegan Apple Tart. You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now!

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose plain flour (note 1 for gluten free)
• 1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter or margarine (chilled, note 2)
• 3 tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar (brown sugar or coconut sugar)
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

For the Filling

• 4-5 apples (of choice, cored, note 3)
• 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar (brown sugar or coconut sugar)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose plain flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Dash of lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) vegan butter or coconut oil (melted)
• 3 tablespoons (60g) apricot jam (any light-colored jam)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt the tart to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Try different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or cherries for a new twist on flavor.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or vanilla extract to enhance the filling’s flavor.
• Go gluten-free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

How to Make Vegan Apple Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by greasing your 9-inch loose-bottom tart pan. This step is essential so that your beautiful tart comes out easily once baked. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and chilled vegan butter. Use your fingers to rub them together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Then, stir in the sugar before adding cold water just enough to bring the dough together.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Once your dough comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling is important as it helps prevent shrinkage during baking and gives you that lovely flaky texture.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the dough chills, prepare your apple filling! Peel and core the apples before slicing them thinly. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice if using. Letting them sit allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s large enough to fit your tart pan. Press it gently into the pan edges and trim any excess dough. Next, layer those beautiful apple slices in an overlapping pattern inside the crust. Drizzle melted vegan butter over the top before sprinkling some extra sugar and flour to help absorb moisture during baking.

Step 5: Glaze Your Tart

After baking until golden brown and bubbly, remove the tart from the oven and brush it with apricot jam while still warm. This step adds a lovely sheen that makes your Vegan Apple Tart not only tasty but also visually stunning!

Now sit back and enjoy every bite of this lovely dessert—it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Apple Tart

Creating a delicious vegan apple tart is easy and rewarding! Here are some pro tips to ensure your tart turns out perfectly every time.

• Use chilled ingredients: Keeping your vegan butter cold helps create a flaky pastry. If the butter warms up too much, it can result in a dense crust.
• Mix flour carefully: When mixing the flour and butter, avoid overworking the dough. This will keep the shortcrust tender and flaky rather than tough.
• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination enhances the flavor profile of your tart.
• Let it cool before serving: Allowing your tart to cool for at least 15 minutes after baking helps set the filling, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, feel free to add nutmeg or cloves for an extra depth of flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Tart

Serving your vegan apple tart can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this beautiful dessert that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely visual contrast against the golden apples.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only enhance the presentation but also add a refreshing hint of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vegan vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vegan ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm tart, making for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Coconut whipped cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream offers a luscious topping that pairs wonderfully with the spiced apples.
• Chai-spiced tea: A warm cup of chai tea complements the flavors in your apple tart perfectly, creating a cozy atmosphere for dessert time.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the apple tart.

Enjoy crafting this delightful dish, and remember that every slice is filled with warmth and love!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Apple Tart is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert any time you want. Preparing it ahead of time means you can savor this delightful treat without the fuss on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tart to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole tart tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped tart in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the tart or slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making a Vegan Apple Tart that might help you out!

Can I use different types of apples for this Vegan Apple Tart?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of apples that you prefer, such as Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Mixing different types can also add depth to the flavor.

How do I ensure my Vegan Apple Tart crust is flaky?

To achieve a flaky crust, make sure your vegan butter is very cold before mixing it into the flour. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough, and chill it in the fridge before rolling it out.

Can I make this Vegan Apple Tart gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long does it take to make a Vegan Apple Tart?

The total time for making this Vegan Apple Tart is about 100 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s worth every minute for such a delightful dessert!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Vegan Apple Tart! With its buttery shortcrust and sweet cinnamon apples, it’s not just a dessert but a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends—or keep it all to yourself! Either way, happy baking!