Easy 5–Ingredient Apple Caramel Tart 🍎🍯 – Sweet, Tart, and Ready in 20 Minutes
This 5-ingredient apple caramel tart is a Thanksgiving dinner essential and fast dessert that will impress guests with minimal effort. Perfect for fall baking beginners!
Get ready to slice something sweet with this 20-minute apple caramel tart! With just five simple ingredients—thinly sliced apples, homemade caramel sauce, a pre-made tart crust, butter, and cinnamon—you can create a golden, glossy tart that's impossible to resist. Think of it as a grown-up twist on a caramel apple, baked into a tart shell that's warm, gooey, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
This tart is everything you want in a fall dessert: it's quick enough for weeknight snacking and fancy enough for holiday tables. We're talkin' about a dessert that requires no special skills, no complicated gadgets, and zero intimidating techniques. Yep, this is baking for folks who would rather not spend their entire evening in the kitchen unless it’s for something that tastes this good.
The real magic here is the caramel. It's not just drizzled on top—nope, it bakes right into the tart, soaking into the apples and forming that perfect golden crust. And when that buttery, cinnamon-scented caramel mixes with the crisp apple slices... just wow. You won't believe how simple this is to make.
Whether you're a last-minute Thanksgiving prepper or just craving a sweet fix after dinner, this tart is your new best friend. It's got that cozy autumn vibe, a touch of sparkle (from the caramel bubbles), and the kind of flavor that makes you want to take a second slice immediately.
So grab your pre-made tart crust and let's get carameling! This recipe is like a warm hug for your taste buds, and it only takes 20 minutes to make. Talk about a win-win situation.
Ingredients
- • 1 prepared tart crust (6-inch fluted shell)
- • 1 cup thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 2 medium apples)
- • ⅛ cup (1 tbsp + 1½ tsp) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- • ½ tbsp unsalted butter (½ stick), melted
- • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep & preheat: Place the tart shell on a baking sheet for easy handling. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). This lets the tart cook evenly while catching any caramel drips.
- Mix apple combo: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with ½ tbsp melted butter and ¼ tsp cinnamon. Let 'em coat evenly—it's like creating a sweet, spiced apple salad before baking.
- Layer the base: Spread half the caramel sauce evenly in the tart shell. This creates a gooey base that's going to become the best caramel apple combo you've ever had.
- Pile on apples: Add all the cinnamon-buttered apple slices in a single layer. Gently pat them down so the caramel can soak in without making a mess.
- Cook to golden: Bake for 12-13 minutes until the tart is golden and the caramel's bubbling slightly. Don't rush—this is when all the flavors come together.
- Cool & serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes to set up. The tart can be enjoyed slightly warm for the best melty-caramel experience.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Baking
This tart requires no dough rolling, no complicated layering, and absolutely no pastry chef skills. Just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes to transform simple components into a showstopping dessert.
💰 Budget Friendly
The main cost is the pre-made tart shell (often $3-4) and store-bought apples. All other ingredients are pantry staples or affordable pantry additions.
👥 Party Ready
Serves 6-8 people depending on serving size, making it perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, family gatherings, or even a fancy dinner for two. The single tart presentation is especially elegant for individual holiday platters.
🌟 Flavor Harmony
The tart apples balance the richness of the caramel while the cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering. The result is a caramel apple combo that's complex yet balanced, with each bite offering layers of flavor.
Variations & Customizations
Vegan Twist
Use vegan apples (any type works) + plant-based caramel sauce, coconut oil instead of butter, and vegan cinnamon. The results are just as rich and melty!
Extra Nutty
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over apples. The roasted nuts add crunch and enhance the autumnal vibe, creating the best apple caramel nut tart combo.
Spice It Up
Replace ground cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice (½ tsp) for a more autumnal flavor profile. Or add ¼ tsp cardamom for an unexpected, exotic twist.
Double the Caramel
Use both store-bought and homemade caramel for maximum flavor complexity. Just 2 extra tablespoons of caramel elevates this into a professional dessert that still only takes 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Complete Your Dessert Plate With These Perfect Pairs
🍽️ Sides to Elevate This Tart
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cold creaminess cuts through the warm tart perfectly.
- Cinnamon Rolls: The sweetness and spiciness harmonize beautifully.
- Warm Spiced Tea: A spiced chai or apple cider pairs wonderfully with each tart bite.
🍷 Drinks That Complement the Tart
Serve with a glass of champagne or spiked apple cider to accentuate the fruit notes in this caramel apple tart while adding an elegant touch to your dessert table.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate assembled tart (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. This is perfect for preparing the day before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The caramel will keep the apples super moist.
Freezer Storage
The tart freezes beautifully for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic then aluminum foil. Thaw in refrigerator when ready.
Reheating Instructions
For best texture, warm up leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until fragrant and golden around the edges.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My apples browned too much—can I use a different apple?
A: Granny Smith apple is the best option here because they hold their shape and don't release too much moisture. If they're getting brown, try slicing and tossing with the cinnamon-butter mix within 10 minutes of baking. Red apple varieties like Honeycrisps won't brown quite the same way.
Q: I ran out of prepared tart shells—can I substitute?
A: You can use an 8-inch springform pan with buttered parchment paper for a looser tart. The edges might not be as crisp, but the flavor will be just as good.
Q: Can I double the recipe for more servings?
A: Yes! Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly upwards. A larger tart shell might need an extra minute or two to brown properly.
Q: The caramel got too runny—help!
A: This actually happens with time. Don't worry—it's what creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture you're after. For faster setting, you can chill the tart for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Create Your Cozy Autumn Table with This 20-Minute Delight
This apple caramel tart is the kind of dessert that makes you think you're a gourmet chef when really it takes less than half an hour. It's not just a tart—it's a taste of autumn made simple, with that perfect combination of sweet, tart, and caramel that brings comfort and warmth to your dessert table.
Whether it's a Thanksgiving gathering, a weeknight treat, or just a fancy way to top off a quiet evening with your favorite apple pie recipe, this tart delivers everything you want and more. Just remember to serve it with that vanilla ice cream and maybe a cup of warm apple cider to complete your cozy autumn dessert experience.
**Pinterest Tip:** For best visibility, post this tart as part of a fall dinner series over 5 days: 1) tart itself, 2) cinnamon rolls to serve beside, 3) apple cider recipe, 4) spiced tea pairings, 5) autumn fruit platter. Build your Pinterest audience by showing a complete cozy fall meal experience.
Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Tart
🥄 Caramel Selection
For a gourmet touch, use homemade caramel. Mix ½ cup sugar + 2 tsp butter + 1 tsp brown sugar + 1 tsp heavy cream. Simmer gently and pour directly onto tart before apples. Store any extra in an airtight jar for future use.
🔥 Baking Hack
For extra browning, place a second baking sheet in the lower oven rack. The reflected heat helps create that perfect golden crust without burning the apples.
🍂 Flavor Boost
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt after baking. The salt enhances the caramel and balances the sweet, creating a caramel apple that's even more irresistable.
📸 Presentation Tip
Garnish with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of caramel right before serving. For holiday events, serve on a platter with small dessert forks for elegant presentation.
