This recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the natural sweetness of fresh apples for a delightful treat. Perfect for cozy afternoons, it’s simple to make and sure to impress your guests.
Start by mixing the flour and salt together in your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the flour. Turn the mixer on low and mix until the mixture looks like coarse sand—make sure there aren’t any big chunks of butter left, but be careful not to overdo it.
In a small bowl, combine the cold water, vinegar, and ice. Add this mixture a tablespoon at a time to the flour and butter, mixing gently between each addition. Keep adding until the dough just comes together into a smooth ball that’s not sticky or crumbly. Shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to three days.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425°F. Melt the butter slowly in a small skillet over low heat until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty. Take it off the heat and stir in the scraped vanilla seeds.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into about a 12x12-inch square. Transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Arrange the apple slices neatly on the dough in rows, fanning them out slightly, and leave about an inch border all around. Brush the apples with the browned vanilla butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, then fold up the edges of the dough over the apples and press down gently. Brush the crust edges with egg wash, then chill the tart in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Pop the tart in the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then, turn the pan around, lower the temperature to 375°F, and bake for another 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool a bit before slicing into four generous pieces and serving.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape during baking.
- Brown the butter slowly over medium heat to avoid burning and develop a deep, nutty flavor.
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.
This dessert brings together the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the natural sweetness and slight tartness of apples. The combination creates a warm, comforting treat that feels both rustic and elegant. It’s perfect for any season and sure to impress with minimal effort.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts on top adds extra texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back the warm, buttery aroma. Avoid storing at room temperature to maintain freshness.
