Name: Amazing Gluten Free Caramel Apple 1-Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free multipurpose flour; 1/3 cup almond flour, finely ground; 3/5 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1.5 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 1.65 pounds); 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2/3 cup gluten-free multipurpose flour; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 3/4 cup raw pecans, chopped; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/3 cup caramel sauce; 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour; 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar

Gluten Free Caramel Apple tart has become my go-to fall dessert, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! It all started a few years ago when I was craving that classic caramel apple flavor but needed a dessert that everyone, including my gluten-intolerant friends, could enjoy. I experimented with different crusts and fillings, and this tart was the delicious result. Imagine a buttery, crisp gluten-free crust embracing tender, spiced apples, all drizzled with rich caramel and a crunchy pecan topping. It’s the perfect blend of textures and sweet, comforting flavors. This easy gluten-free caramel apples recipe is a guaranteed hit! Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart

This dessert is an absolute showstopper, and you’ll see why:

It’s entirely gluten-free, making it a safe and inclusive treat for everyone.
The combination of a tender, buttery crust and a sweet apple filling is pure comfort.
You get amazing texture from the crunchy pecan streusel topping.
This easy gluten-free caramel apples recipe is surprisingly simple to put together.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy classic fall flavors in a sophisticated dessert.
The rich caramel drizzle adds an irresistible sweetness that ties everything together.
This homemade gluten-free caramel apples tart is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
It’s naturally allergy-friendly, especially when you choose nut-free options.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious dessert. You’ll need a few key components for the crust, filling, and streusel.

2 cups gluten-free multipurpose flour – the base for our tender crust
1/3 cup almond flour, finely ground – adds a lovely richness and helps bind the crust
3/5 cup powdered sugar – for a delicate sweetness in the dough
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces – essential for a flaky, tender crust
1 large egg, room temperature – helps bind the dough
1.5 tablespoons unsalted butter – for sautéing the apples
6 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 1.65 pounds) – choose firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture and flavor in this gluten-free caramel apples recipe
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice – brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning
1/3 cup light brown sugar – adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness to the filling
1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the apple filling so it’s not too runny
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – a classic spice that complements apples beautifully
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg – adds a subtle warmth
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – for the apple filling
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
2/3 cup gluten-free multipurpose flour – for the pecan streusel topping
1/3 cup light brown sugar – for sweetness in the streusel
3/4 cup raw pecans, chopped – provides a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces – creates crumbly streusel
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for the streusel
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – for the streusel
1/3 cup caramel sauce – for that irresistible caramel apple flavor
1 tablespoon gluten-free flour – for dusting
1 tablespoon granulated white sugar – also for dusting

How to Make Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart

Follow these steps to create a stunning and delicious gluten-free dessert that everyone will rave about. This recipe brings together a crisp crust, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy pecan topping for a truly memorable treat.

Making the Gluten-Free Tart Dough

First, whisk together your gluten-free multipurpose flour, almond flour, and salt. In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then beat in the egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Shape it into a disk, wrap tightly, and chill for at least an hour. This chilling step is crucial for a tender crust. For more information on handling doughs, you can refer to baking techniques.

Preparing the Apple Filling

Peel and dice your apples, then toss them with fresh lemon juice to keep them bright. Melt 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan and cook the apples for about 3-5 minutes until they just begin to soften. Meanwhile, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir this mixture into the apples along with vanilla extract, cooking until the filling thickens beautifully. Let it cool completely.

Amazing Gluten Free Caramel Apple 1-Tart - Gluten Free Caramel Apple - additional detail

Creating the Pecan Streusel Topping

For the streusel, combine 2/3 cup gluten-free multipurpose flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Gently mix in the cold, cubed butter with a fork or your fingertips until crumbles form. You want a texture that’s coarse and crumbly, perfect for topping off your tart. Chill this mixture until you’re ready to assemble.

Assembling and Baking the Tart

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and carefully fit it into a 9.5-inch tart pan. Trim the excess dough, leaving a small overhang, then chill again for 30 minutes. Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork, then blind bake it for 15 minutes with weights. Remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes until lightly golden. After cooling, sprinkle the tart shell with a mix of gluten-free flour and sugar. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the crust, drizzle with caramel sauce, and top generously with the pecan streusel. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 32-38 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the filling is bubbly. This process ensures a perfectly cooked and delicious gluten-free caramel apples tart.

Pro Tips for the Best Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart

Achieving a perfect gluten-free tart is all about a few key techniques. These little tricks will elevate your dessert from good to absolutely amazing, making it a true showstopper.

Always use cold butter for the streusel topping; it creates those delightful crumbles.
Don’t overwork the tart dough; handle it as little as possible for a tender crust.
Ensure your apples are completely cooled before assembling; hot apples can make the crust soggy.
Let the tart rest for at least two hours after baking. This is crucial for the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices.

What’s the secret to a perfect gluten-free crust?

The key is using a good blend of gluten-free flours, like the multipurpose and almond flour blend in this recipe, and keeping everything very cold. Chilling the dough is non-negotiable for a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape beautifully. Understanding the science behind gluten-free baking can be helpful; you can find resources on baking science.

Can I use other nuts for the streusel topping?

Absolutely! Walnuts or even a mix of seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds can work wonderfully if you need to avoid nuts. For a completely nut-free version, omit the nuts and add an extra tablespoon of gluten-free flour and brown sugar to the streusel mixture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with gluten-free baking?

A common pitfall is overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as gluten-free baked goods can be sensitive. Always measure your gluten-free flour accurately, spooning it into the cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. For more on avoiding baking pitfalls, consider checking out baking tips.

Best Ways to Serve Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart

This delicious tart is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple additions that really make it shine. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering or cozy evening.

For a truly classic experience, serve a warm slice of this gluten-free caramel apple tart with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm tart and cold ice cream is heavenly! Another favorite pairing is a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. If you want to lean into the apple theme, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, creating a balanced sweet and savory meal. This tart is a fantastic example of satisfying gluten-free fall treats. For more information on dietary needs, you can review our privacy policy.

Nutrition Facts for Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this delightful tart. It offers a good balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying dessert option.

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact portion sizes. For details on how we handle data, please see our terms of use.

How to Store and Reheat Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart

Storing this beautiful tart properly is key to enjoying its deliciousness for days to come. Once it has completely cooled on a wire rack for at least two hours, you can prepare it for storage. For short-term keeping, place the tart in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for weeknight cravings or unexpected guests.

If you’ve made a larger batch or want to save some for later, this tart freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, you can freeze the entire tart, or individual slices, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow frozen slices to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, warm them gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This ensures your gluten-free caramel apples tart tastes almost as good as fresh!

Variations of Gluten Free Caramel Apple Tart You Can Try

This versatile recipe for gluten-free caramel apples is a fantastic starting point for all sorts of delicious variations. Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to experiment with new flavors, there are plenty of ways to adapt this tart. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic combination of apples, caramel, and a buttery crust, ensuring there’s something for everyone. These ideas make enjoying gluten-free fall treats even more exciting!

Dairy-Free Caramel Apple Tart

To make this tart dairy-free, simply swap out the butter for a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute in both the crust and the streusel. Use a dairy-free caramel sauce, and ensure your apples are sautéed with a plant-based oil or dairy-free butter. This adaptation keeps all the delicious flavor without any dairy.

Vegan Caramel Apple Tart

For a vegan version, replace the butter with your favorite vegan butter alternative throughout the recipe. For the egg in the crust, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. Ensure your caramel sauce is also vegan, and you’ll have a completely plant-based delight.

Allergy-Friendly Caramel Apples

Creating allergy-friendly caramel apples is achievable with a few smart swaps. For nut-free versions, omit the pecans in the streusel and increase the gluten-free flour and brown sugar slightly, or use sunflower seeds. If you need to avoid gluten entirely, ensure all your chosen flours and caramel sauce are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination. Always double-check ingredient labels! For more on safe food handling, you can check out our home page for general guidelines.