Cardamom Apple Tart: A Cozy Fall Dessert with Elegant Flair

There’s just something magical about the aroma of cardamom wafting through your kitchen on a crisp fall day. This cardamom apple tart is where rustic comfort meets elegance, with layers of thinly sliced apples nestled in a buttery crust and laced with warming spices. Right after the first bite, the sweet-tart apples and fragrant cardamom will transport you to cozy afternoons and candle-lit gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or a special dinner, this tart is a guaranteed showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This cardamom apple tart is not only stunning to look at—it’s:

• Surprisingly simple to make with minimal prep and basic tools
• Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, thanks to its warm spices
• Versatile enough to work as a dessert or a brunch addition
• A make-ahead option that keeps well and tastes even better the next day

Taste & Texture

The tart is a lovely balance of flavor and texture:

• Thinly sliced apples are soft yet slightly crisp on the edges
• Cardamom adds a gentle citrusy spice that lifts the sweetness of the apples
• Hints of cinnamon and ginger round out the warmth
• The crust is buttery, flaky, and golden

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made dairy-free or gluten-free with simple swaps. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional apple pie but still delivers all the autumn comfort.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 9-inch tart crust (homemade or store-bought, prebaked)
• 4 apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work beautifully)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

Notes on Quality

Fresh, crisp apples are key—avoid overly soft varieties. Choose ones with a firm texture and balanced sweetness. Whole cardamom pods, freshly ground, offer the most potent flavor, but pre-ground cardamom works fine in a pinch. For the crust, a homemade pâte sucrée brings next-level flavor, but a good-quality store-bought crust can save time.

Possible Substitutions

• Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor
• Swap pear slices for apples for a fun twist
• If you’re out of cardamom, try a blend of nutmeg and cloves for a different spice profile
• Vegan? Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a homemade crust, roll it out and press into your tart pan. Dock the crust with a fork and prebake for 10 minutes.
2. Slice apples very thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger.
4. Layer the apples in overlapping circles inside the tart shell. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the spice-sugar mixture.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the apples are soft and starting to brown at the edges.
6. Optional glaze: Warm the apricot jam and brush lightly over the top for a shiny finish.
7. Cool before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Slice apples uniformly thin for even baking
• Overlap the apple slices tightly—they shrink as they bake
• Use a removable-bottom tart pan for the cleanest presentation

Common Mistakes

• Too thick slices: Makes the tart hard to cut and chewy in texture
• Skipping prebaking the crust: Can result in a soggy bottom
• Using overly juicy apples: Can water down the filling

Time-Saving Tips

• Use a store-bought crust for quicker assembly
• Slice apples a day ahead and store in lemon water
• Pre-mix your spice blend and keep it on hand for future baking

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
• Serve alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a sweet-savory balance
• Complement with toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch

Presentation Ideas

• Fan the apples into a rose pattern for an eye-catching centerpiece
• Dust with a touch of powdered sugar before serving
• Use a cake stand or rustic wooden board for that farmhouse-chic vibe

Beverage Pairings

• Hot spiced chai or a cinnamon latte
• A glass of Riesling or sparkling apple cider
• For a festive twist, pair it with a spiked warm cider cocktail

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Wrap the tart loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Methods

• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds
• For best results, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to retain crisp edges

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a puff pastry instead of a tart shell?
Yes! It will create a slightly different texture but still tastes amazing.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely—cut back by 1 tablespoon if you prefer a more tart flavor.

Troubleshooting

My tart is watery—what went wrong?
This usually happens when the apples release too much moisture. Choose firm apples and don’t overdo the lemon juice.

The edges of my apples are burnt—help!
Next time, loosely tent with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Use a gluten-free tart crust for a celiac-friendly version
• Sub in vegan butter and skip the glaze to make it completely plant-based

Flavor Twists

• Add a pinch of black pepper to intensify the spice
• Mix in a bit of orange zest for a citrusy lift
• Add a spoonful of almond paste under the apples for a rich surprise

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• For Thanksgiving, decorate with cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• In spring, swap apples for thinly sliced pears and add a touch of rosemary

Conclusion

This cardamom apple tart is everything we love about fall—cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this tart brings warmth to any table. Make it your own with a few personal touches and don’t forget to share your creations with us on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie Pinterest Board

Looking for more sweet and savory bites? Try these delicious treats next:

• Dark Chocolate Berry Bark – No Bake Dessert
• Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots
• Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Have you tried this cardamom apple tart? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below. We’d love to see your pictures and hear about your flavor twists!

Print