Rustic apple tart with salted caramel

Ingredients

For the crust :
– 300 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon vanilla powder (or 1 tsp vanilla extract, optional)
– 150 g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, cut into cubes and softened
– 80 ml (⅓ cup) warm water

For the salted caramel :
– 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
– 150 g (⅔ cup) heavy cream
Or use 4 tablespoons of ready-made salted caramel sauce

For the filling :
– 20 g (1½ tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
– 4 medium apples (such as Pink Lady or Honeycrisp)
– 4 tablespoons almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
– 4 tablespoons salted caramel

Instructions

1. Make the dough :
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and vanilla powder (if using). Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the warm water and mix just until the dough comes together. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the salted caramel :
Warm the cream in a small saucepan or microwave. In a separate saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat in an even layer. Don’t stir — let it melt slowly. Once it begins to melt at the edges, gently swirl or stir just those parts to help it melt evenly. Continue until the sugar turns a deep amber color.
Off the heat, carefully pour in the warm cream in several additions (it may bubble up!). Stir in the salted butter until smooth. Let cool slightly.

3. Prep the apples :
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Halve the apples, core them, and slice thinly (about ⅛ inch / 3 mm thick). Set aside.

4. Assemble the tart :
Roll the dough out onto a sheet of parchment paper into a rough 30 cm (12-inch) circle. Transfer to a baking tray. If the caramel has thickened, warm it gently. Spread the caramel in the center of the dough, leaving a 5 cm (2-inch) border. Sprinkle the almond flour over the caramel, then arrange the apple slices in overlapping layers on top. Fold the edges of the dough inward over the fruit. Brush the crust and apples with the melted butter.

5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.