Imagine a dessert so delicate and irresistible that it transports you straight to a charming Parisian café. These Thin Apple Tarts with Hazelnut Pastry and Caramel Sauce are not just a recipe—they're a culinary masterpiece that combines the rustic elegance of French pastry with the rich, nutty warmth of hazelnuts and the decadent sweetness of caramel. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ground hazelnuts, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a cohesive, crumbly dough.
- Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the dough to rest and firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 4 equal circular shapes, approximately 5 inches in diameter.
- Carefully transfer the dough circles to the prepared baking sheet. Thinly slice the apples using a sharp knife or mandoline, creating uniform, translucent slices.
- Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping, circular pattern on each pastry base, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry edges turn golden brown and the apple slices are lightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle each tart generously with warm caramel sauce just before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional chopped hazelnuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to ensure a flaky, tender pastry crust.
- A mandoline slicer can help you achieve uniformly thin apple slices for an elegant presentation.
- Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for the full 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- For an extra touch of sophistication, toast the hazelnuts before grinding to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to ensure it flows smoothly over the tarts.
- Serve immediately after drizzling the caramel to maintain the perfect balance of warm pastry and sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
