If you’re looking to impress your friends or just treat yourself to something truly spectacular, the Vegan Apple Tart with Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Apples Recipe is the answer. This dessert is a magical combination of a flaky, buttery vegan shortcrust pastry topped with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples that have been lovingly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness. It’s simple enough for a cozy weekend bake but elegant enough to serve at any gathering. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the warm, fragrant slices of this tart, it’ll quickly become a well-loved favorite in your recipe collection.

A slice of apple tart sits on a white plate, with three layers visible: at the bottom, a light golden crust with a crumbly texture; above that, a thin layer of dark brown filling; on top, thinly sliced apple pieces arranged in a fan shape, showing red, yellow, and green colors with a slight shiny glaze. In the background, part of the whole tart is visible with the same apple arrangement, placed on a white marbled surface, along with blurry red and green apples. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this wonderful tart, you’ll need just a handful of common ingredients that each play a vital part in delivering the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the crisp apples to the buttery vegan pastry, every component works harmoniously to bring this dish to life.

All-purpose plain flour (1 ½ cups / 190g): This forms the base of your shortcrust pastry, giving it structure and flakiness.
Vegan butter or margarine (½ cup / 115g): Essential for that rich, buttery flavor and beautiful crumbly texture in the crust.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons for pastry, 3 tablespoons for filling): Sweetens both the crust and the filling to perfection without overpowering.
Cold water (2–3 tablespoons): Helps bind the pastry dough just enough for easy rolling.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The spice that elevates the apples, infusing warmth and depth.
All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour (1 tablespoon): Used in the filling to thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake.
Apples (4–5, cored): Choose a mix of firm and slightly sweet varieties for the best flavor and texture.
Vegan butter or coconut oil (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on the apples for that irresistible caramelized finish.
Lemon juice (optional dash): Adds a bright note and prevents the apples from browning.
Apricot jam (3 tablespoons, optional): Optional glaze to add shine and a touch of fruity sweetness to the final tart.

How to Make Vegan Apple Tart with Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Perfect Shortcrust Pastry

Start by greasing your tart pan and gathering your ingredients. Combine the flour, chilled vegan butter, and sugar in a bowl or food processor until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Slowly add the cold water a tablespoon at a time just until the dough comes together—no more, no less. This ensures your pastry will be wonderfully tender, not tough or wet. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill if it feels too soft to handle.

Step 2: Roll Out and Blind Bake the Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll your pastry out into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully transfer it to the tart pan, pressing it gently to fit snugly into the base and sides. Trim any excess dough and patch any tears with extra dough if needed. Prick the base with a fork and line it with parchment paper before filling it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent shrinking during baking. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you prepare your filling, then bake it at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes. This step helps your crust hold up under the filling’s moisture beautifully.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Filling

While your crust is chilling, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then split the mix in half—one half will be mixed with flour for sprinkling on the tart base; the other will be sprinkled on the apples. Thinly slice your apples, about 1/8 inch thick, with a sharp knife or mandoline. If you like, toss the slices lightly with a dash of lemon juice to add a touch of brightness and stop browning before layering them onto the tart.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Tart

After removing the pie weights and parchment, sprinkle the flour-cinnamon sugar mix evenly over the tart crust to absorb any extra juice from the apples. Arrange your apple slices tightly and beautifully in the crust—you want them overlapping slightly since they’ll shrink during baking. Brush the apples generously with your melted vegan butter or coconut oil, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top for that extra sweet spice kick. Bake the tart for 45–55 minutes until the apples are tender and golden, and the filling is bubbling with goodness.

Step 5: Glaze and Cool

When the tart is warm from the oven, brush the apples gently with apricot jam to give them a gorgeous glossy finish and extra hint of sweetness. Let the tart cool to room temperature or enjoy it slightly warm; either way, it’s absolute perfection.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Tart with Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Apples Recipe

Vegan Apple Tart with Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate this tart further, consider topping each slice with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. A sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, adds a delightful crunch contrast to the tender apple filling.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs beautifully with simple vegan yogurt or a light drizzle of maple syrup for a breakfast twist. For dessert, serve alongside a warm cup of chai or herbal tea to complement the cinnamon and apple notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the tart into mini tartlets for a stunning party platter or layering apple slices atop a vegan puff pastry for a rustic galette version. If you’re feeling artistic, arrange the apples in a fan or rose pattern to wow your guests visually as well as with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or keep it refrigerated for up to three days. Refrigeration helps maintain freshness, but letting the tart come to room temperature before serving brings back the fantastic texture and flavors.

Freezing

Freezing the Vegan Apple Tart with Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Apples Recipe is not recommended as it can adversely affect the texture of the apples and make the crust soggy once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your leftover tart warm, reheat gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes. This refreshes the crispness of the crust and warms the filling without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this tart?

Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith works brilliantly to give both flavor complexity and a nice texture contrast in the tart.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or a mix of almond flour and gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the water or flour quantities slightly for the right dough consistency.

How do I prevent the apples from browning before baking?

A quick toss in a little lemon juice before arranging the slices on the tart will keep them fresh and bright while you complete the preparation.

Can I make the pastry ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the pastry dough up to two days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Good resting time actually makes the dough easier to handle and improves the pastry texture.

What’s the best way to serve this tart?

Serve it warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vegan ice cream or whipped cream to balance the warm spices and caramelized apples.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, this Vegan Apple Tart with Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Apples Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s approachable, full of delicious layers of flavor, and best of all, completely vegan! Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

Vegan Apple Tart with Cinnamon-Spiced Caramelized Apples Recipe