Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart

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Golden, crisp apple slices, nestled into a tender almond flour crust, and drizzled with silky caramel—this Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart is as stunning as it is satisfying. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and nutty, with the comforting warmth of cinnamon baked into every bite. The glossy caramel glaze and crunchy pecan topping give it a gourmet bakery finish that makes this dessert a showstopper for any gathering.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a cozy fall-inspired treat, this tart is a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures. Best of all, it’s gluten-free, making it a dessert everyone at the table can enjoy without compromise. From the flaky crust to the gooey caramel drizzle, every element is made to impress both in taste and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart

• It’s completely gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
• The almond flour crust is buttery, crisp, and simple to make.
• Caramel and apples are a classic flavor combo that never disappoints.
• It looks bakery-perfect but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
• Ideal for fall, holiday tables, or anytime you want a cozy dessert.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

For a smooth and enjoyable baking experience, gather the following essential tools:

• Tart Pan with Removable Bottom: Ensures a perfectly shaped tart and makes unmolding clean and easy.
• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For evenly thin apple slices that bake uniformly and look beautiful in arrangement.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the crust, filling, and topping components.
• Food Processor (Optional): Speeds up crust mixing and creates an even crumb.
• Saucepan: To make the homemade caramel sauce if you’re not using pre-made.
• Pastry Brush (Optional): Useful for brushing apples with caramel or glaze.

Each of these tools contributes to either precision or ease in preparation, ensuring the final tart looks as gorgeous as it tastes.

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Preparation Tips

Use cold butter when mixing the crust to create a crumbly, shortbread-like texture. For the apples, choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith to balance flavors and prevent it from being overly sweet. Let the tart cool slightly before drizzling with caramel so it sets without melting off. If making your own caramel, cook it just until golden for the best flavor without burning. And don’t skip the nuts—they bring a much-needed crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender apples.

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Ingredients for this Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart

For the crust:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (or vegan butter substitute)
• 1 egg yolk (optional for extra richness)

For the apple filling:

• 3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch (for thickening)

For the caramel sauce:

• 1/2 cup coconut cream or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Optional: powdered sugar for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk if using. Press the dough evenly into a tart pan with a removable bottom, pushing it up the sides. Prick the base with a fork and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.

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Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a piece of parchment over the crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove weights and bake another 5–7 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool while you prepare the filling.

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Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

Toss thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and arrowroot powder. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture and enhance flavor.

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Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Layer the apple slices in a spiral or fanned-out design inside the pre-baked tart crust. Pour any remaining liquid from the bowl over the apples. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for texture and flavor.

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Step 5: Bake the Tart

Bake the assembled tart at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until apples are tender and the crust is golden. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

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Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the tart bakes, prepare the caramel. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut cream, sugar, and butter. Stir continuously for 5–7 minutes until thickened and golden brown. Remove from heat, add salt and vanilla, and stir. Let it cool slightly to thicken further.

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Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the tart is slightly cooled, drizzle caramel generously over the apples. Garnish with extra chopped nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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Notes

This tart is adaptable to your preferences—try different apple varieties or swap pecans for walnuts depending on what you have on hand. If you’re short on time, using a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce will still yield fantastic results. For a dairy-free version, make sure to use vegan butter and coconut cream in both the crust and the caramel. The crust can also double as a base for other tarts, both sweet and savory.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overworking the crust dough: This can make the crust too dense. Mix just until combined.
• Using warm butter: Cold butter is essential for a crumbly, shortbread-like texture.
• Overfilling the tart: Too many apple slices can make the tart soggy and overflow while baking.
• Skipping blind baking: Not pre-baking the crust can result in a soggy bottom.
• Cooking caramel at too high heat: This can burn quickly. Medium heat and constant stirring is key.
• Adding caramel too early: Drizzle only after cooling slightly, or it will slide right off the apples.

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Storage Instructions

Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature or warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for best texture before serving. The caramel may firm up when cold but softens nicely once reheated. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the apples may become mushy.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per slice, based on 10 slices)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the tart a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Drizzle caramel just before serving for best results.

What are the best apples to use for this recipe?

A mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best to balance flavor and texture.

Is this tart suitable for people with nut allergies?

Since the crust is made from almond flour, it is not suitable for those with nut allergies. You can substitute a nut-free gluten-free crust if needed.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely. Choose a good quality sauce without artificial additives for the best flavor.

How do I keep my apples from turning brown?

Toss them in lemon juice right after slicing to preserve their color.

Can I freeze the tart?

Freezing is not recommended. The apples can become watery and lose their texture upon thawing.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Use vegan butter and coconut cream in place of dairy, and skip the egg yolk in the crust.

What can I serve with this tart?

It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a warm cup of chai or coffee.

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Conclusion

The Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. With its buttery almond flour crust, tender cinnamon-kissed apples, and luscious caramel topping, it’s a dessert that offers indulgence without compromise. Whether served at a festive dinner or enjoyed as a cozy weekend bake, this tart brings comfort, elegance, and satisfaction in every bite. Simple enough to make yet special enough to impress, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat all season long.

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