Rustic Apple Tart Recipe: A Delicious Freeform Dessert to Make at Home
Published on April 28th, 2025
Intermediate
Nothing says comfort quite like a homemade apple tart. This rustic apple tart recipe is an irresistible combination of buttery pastry, cinnamon-spiced apples, crunchy nuts, and juicy sultanas. Whether you’re looking for an easy apple tart recipe to impress guests or simply craving a nostalgic dessert, this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients in the most delightful way.
At LemonSalt.co.uk, we love sharing recipes that celebrate seasonal produce and traditional baking. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make a rustic apple tart that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. If you're searching for a hearty, flavourful dessert option in the UK, this rustic apple tart UK style is a must-try.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 50g Mixed Nuts
- 225g Plain White Flour, plus extra for dusting
- 350g tub cherry tomato & basil sauce
- 140g Salted Butter, chilled and diced
- 3 tbsp Golden Caster Sugar
- 1 British Free Range Large Egg
- 6 Gala Apples, peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced
- 50g Sultanas
- 60g Light Brown Soft Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 2 tsp Cornflour
- 1 tbsp Semi-skimmed Milk
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
Instructions: How to Make a Rustic Apple Tart
- Begin by blitzing the mixed nuts in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the flour, chilled butter, and golden caster sugar, pulsing until the butter is fully incorporated into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and process again to form a firm dough. If your mixture feels too dry, a tablespoon or two of cold water will help bring it together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill for at least 10 minutes.
- While your pastry chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (gas mark 4) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Gala apples, sultanas, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornflour. This mixture is the heart of your homemade apple tart, bursting with warm spices and natural sweetness.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry into a rough circle approximately 35cm in diameter. Carefully transfer it to your prepared baking tray. (Alternatively, a 30cm ovenproof frying pan lined with parchment can be used for a more rustic feel.) Spoon the apple mixture into the centre of the pastry, leaving a generous 4cm border. Fold the edges of the pastry over the fruit, overlapping slightly to enclose the filling but leaving the centre open. Brush the pastry with semi-skimmed milk to encourage a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake your rustic apple pie for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and the fruit becomes tender and juicy. Once baked, drizzle the warm tart with maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness and shine. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. It’s delicious served warm or at room temperature, paired with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of organic double cream.
Why You’ll Love This Rustic Apple Tart Recipe
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. There's no need for perfection — the charm of a freeform apple tart lies in its rustic, hand-shaped beauty. Plus, the combination of cinnamon apples, sweet sultanas, crunchy nuts, and flaky pastry creates a texture and flavour profile that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for casual gatherings, Sunday lunches, or even as a special treat for yourself, this homemade apple tart is a reminder of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
Tips for the Perfect Rustic Apple Tart
• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to a flaky pastry.
• Don't Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill your tart to avoid soggy pastry.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Choose the Right Apples: Gala apples offer natural sweetness and hold their shape well, making them ideal for a rustic apple pie.
For more cozy dessert ideas and traditional recipes, explore our blog at LemonSalt.co.uk. Happy baking!
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