People always talk about the “lazy days of summer,” but I have to argue that fall has plenty of laziness, too. Yes, there is school that starts back and lots of holidays to plan for, but there’s another side to it. After school’s been in session for a month or so, things become routine, and I start slacking other people start slacking. As far as holidays go, there is all the planning and work leading up to them, but there’s also a lot of flopping on the couch afterwards, especially for Thanksgiving.
So what dessert does one lethargically reach for when the lazy days of autumn roll in, gentle and breezy?
Apples, of course. But not just any apples—caramel apples. And not just any caramel apples—caramel apples in a tart. Because everyone knows that nothing goes better with ooey, gooey, caramel sauce and melt-in-your-mouth apple slices like buttery, flaky pastry.
Is it just me, or do you kinda want to take a nap?
Well, before you do, here’s how to make this sweet little tart.
First, in a food processor, pulse together some flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Add plenty of butter…
…and two egg yolks.
Process away until it looks something like this. Then flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice up some apples. I used Galas, but that’s just because I couldn’t find my favorites—Jonagolds.
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar…
…flour…
…plenty of cinnamon…
…and a nice bit of cardamom.
Toss the apples with the sugary mixture until they’re nice and coated.
Once your dough has chilled for a while, roll it out and haphazardly place it in a tart dish.
Fill said tart dish with the apples…
…attempting to arrange them in a beautiful design, but then running out of room and piling a mountain of apple slices in the middle.
Pop that in the oven for about an hour and start working on the caramel sauce. First, in a saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. I know it doesn’t look very appetizing right now…
…but just wait! It’ll get bubbly and foamy and ridiculously delicious. The best part is that once it’s made, the sauce can be kept in the fridge and simply reheated for serving.
Although it’s also pretty tasty just eaten cold with a spoon.
Or so I’ve been told.
And there you have it! A beautifully simple apple tart full of caramel-y goodness and autumnal delights.
Now—because I’m lazy and I didn’t change anything in the recipe except add more cinnamon and cardamom—I’m just going to give you the link to the original over at Epicurious.com and go take more pictures of my backyard.
This is GORGEOUS! I would lick my plate clean. Really like the spices in it…
Sweet, autumn, apples, caramels.I'm right there digging in. Love the last photo~
I also think Autumn is more lazy than summer! Once you settle into the routine, the shorter days make you feel only make a cake and sit down on the sofa! I love this tart. I have a fixation for caramel but I also had a bad (burning) experience. I need to give it another shot!
@Karen: Thanks! The cardamom adds a really cool touch.
@Claudia: Thank you!
@Sara: I never knew that caramel tasted so good! I was always under the impression that I didn't like it.
I was definitely hesitant about making caramel–it seems to be pretty dangerous since it gets so hot! But it was worth the effort! 😀
Oh my. That looks heavenly. I wouldn't mind some of that for a late breakfast ..
Your garden is so huge & green! I love the light spilling through the leaves.
So pretty…and perfect now that it's a wee bit cooler here in TX! If you like this, you'd also love apple Dutch baby pancakes!!! I make them from a Williams-Sonoma mix, but you can also make from scratch. Check it out…
@Suzler: Oooh, yes! With whipped cream of course. 😀
I'm loving the afternoon light at this time of year! Plus it's no longer sauna-esque outside anymore, which is always nice.
@Wendy: I've been wanting to try making a dutch baby for so long now! They look so poofy and delicious!
Yum! I just made a plum tart, and enjyed eating it very much. I agree, I think fall is all about the fall fruit tarts!
What a beautiful presentation and a great combo of flavors–love the addition of cardamom! Last year, I actually tried to make a caramel apple pie and it just ended up tasting like apple pie…I am saving this recipe! I don't have a tart pan but I think it's about time I get one!
@theveggie: A plum tart sounds amazing!! I've never tried one!
@Marisa: Neither do I! I always end up using this kind of huge, shallow cake pan. My dear old tart pan is too rusty. 😛 Still, tart pan or no, I highly recommend this recipe!
Yummy! And a lovely yard. I must say I am immature and the Dutch Baby comment made me giggle.
This takes fall recipes to a whole new level 🙂 Caramel is the perfect addition to this tarte…Genius!
the cardamom sounds like the perfect touch! lovely!
Your pictures are always great, but that top one literally made my mouth water…. looks fantastic!
Awesome tart – thanks for sharing!
Your tart looks great, but dang your backyard is awesome! I would take as many pics as possible too! I love the big ole trees and that plush green grass…can you tell I live in an apartment :-/ Thanks for posting both!