Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 4-5 medium apples, peeled and grated
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Dough:

• 1 egg
• 100 g (½ cup) sugar
• 100 g (½ cup) sour cream
• 250 g (2 cups) flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 packet of vanillin
• 100 g (½ cup) cold butter, cubed

For Topping:

• 50 g (⅓ cup) chopped walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Begin by peeling and grating the apples. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the grated apples, sugar (if using), and cinnamon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and sugar together until well combined. Add the sour cream, mixing until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
• Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the dough. You can use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Assemble the Tart:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a tart pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
• Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tart pan to form the crust.
• Pour the cooled apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
• Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apples to create a rustic topping.

4. Add the Walnuts:

• Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the tart, ensuring they are well distributed.

5. Bake:

• Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-browning.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips

• Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor profile. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji work well.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Serving Suggestions: This tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover tart, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the tart before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 1 slice)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made pie crust?
Yes, a pre-made pie crust can save time. Just fit it into the tart pan and fill it with the apple mixture.

2. Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic look.

3. Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Pears or berries can be added for a fruity twist.

4. How can I make it gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you also adjust the baking powder accordingly.

5. What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can substitute with other nuts like pecans or omit them altogether for a nut-free option.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Tart is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors with a buttery crust. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this tart is sure to impress. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a must-try recipe that you’ll return to time and again. Enjoy each bite of this seasonal treat!