A rich, buttery almond tart layered with luscious caramelized apples and crowned with silky vanilla bean whipped cream. This dessert is a stunning centerpiece for any gathering and offers the perfect balance of nutty, fruity, and creamy flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tart is an elegant yet approachable dessert that combines several luxurious elements into one showstopping treat. The almond filling is soft and nutty, the crust is tender and buttery, and the topping of warm caramelized apples adds sweetness and depth. Finished with lightly sweetened vanilla bean whipped cream, it’s a dessert that tastes as beautiful as it looks. Whether for a dinner party, holiday celebration, or afternoon tea, this tart will surely impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

all-purpose flour
powdered sugar
cold unsalted butter, cubed
egg yolk
cold water

For the almond filling:

unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
almond flour
eggs
almond extract
salt

For the caramelized apple topping:

finely diced apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
unsalted butter
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
salt

For the vanilla bean cream:

heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar
vanilla bean paste or seeds scraped from 1 pod

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan.
In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and cold water gradually, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
Press the dough evenly into the tart pan, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
For the almond filling, cream the butter and sugar together. Beat in the eggs, almond flour, almond extract, and salt until smooth.
Spread the filling evenly into the cooled crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and set. Cool completely.
To prepare the topping, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
Spoon the apple mixture over the almond tart base.
In a mixing bowl, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon decorative dollops around the tart edge before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Spiced version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple topping for a warmer flavor profile.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crust.
Boozy twist: Add 1 tablespoon of brandy or Calvados to the apple caramelization process for a rich, adult version.
Pear substitution: Replace apples with ripe, firm pears for a different seasonal take.
Coconut cream topping: Swap the whipped cream for coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free variation.

storage/reheating

Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat individual slices, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. The whipped cream topping is best added fresh, so consider storing it separately and adding just before serving.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for this tart?

Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the tart crust a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature.

Can I freeze this tart?

You can freeze the tart (without whipped cream) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slightly before serving.

What can I use instead of almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with finely ground blanched almonds or hazelnut flour for a different flavor.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust and allowing it to cool completely before adding the filling helps maintain its structure and prevent sogginess.

Can I make this tart dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter for the crust and filling, and coconut cream instead of whipped cream.

How can I ensure my whipped cream holds its shape?

Use very cold cream and a chilled bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form, and add a stabilizer like a bit of mascarpone or cream cheese if needed.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, a high-quality store-bought tart crust can save time, though homemade offers the best flavor and texture.

What can I serve with this tart?

A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with this dessert.

Is it okay to use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in place of vanilla bean paste for the whipped cream.

Conclusion

This Caramelized Apple Almond Tart with Vanilla Bean Cream is a celebration of flavors and textures. It offers the warmth of spiced apples, the richness of almond filling, and the elegance of real vanilla whipped cream. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a refined homemade dessert, this tart is a sophisticated and satisfying choice.