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As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, the allure of apple-based desserts rises to the forefront of autumn culinary traditions. From warm apple pies to spiced cider, the flavors of fall invite us to embrace the bounty of the harvest season. One standout dessert that embodies this seasonal charm is the Apple Cider Cream Tart. This delightful twist on traditional tarts brings together the rich flavors of spiced apples and creamy fillings, making it a perfect centerpiece for any autumn gathering or festive occasion.

Apple Cider Cream Tart

Embrace the flavors of fall with the delightful Apple Cider Cream Tart, a perfect dessert for any autumn gathering. This beautiful tart features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a creamy mixture of concentrated apple cider, heavy cream, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with fresh apples for a vibrant contrast, this recipe combines rich and refreshing flavors that will impress your guests. Ideal for holiday feasts or cozy dinners, it’s a sweet celebration of the harvest season.

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

2-3 tablespoons cold water

A pinch of salt

For the apple cider filling:

1 ½ cups apple cider

¾ cup heavy cream

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of nutmeg

For topping:

1 apple, thinly sliced (Gala or Honeycrisp recommended)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon butter, melted

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

Prepare the crust:

    - In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

      - Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water, pulsing until the dough starts to come together. If too crumbly, add another tablespoon of cold water.

        - Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

          Pre-bake the crust:

            - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and press it into a tart pan (9-inch preferred). Poke the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

              - Line the crust with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and foil, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Allow to cool.

                Make the filling:

                  - In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until it reduces to about ½ cup. Let it cool slightly.

                    - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in the flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the cooled apple cider.

                      - Add the heavy cream, whisking until well combined.

                        Assemble the tart:

                          - Pour the apple cider filling into the prepared crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and a bit puffed.

                            - While the tart is baking, toss the thinly sliced apple in lemon juice and melted butter.

                              Top the tart:

                                - Once the tart is out of the oven, arrange the apple slices artfully on top of the tart. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender.

                                  Cool and serve:

                                    - Allow the tart to cool completely before removing from the pan. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for presentation before slicing.

                                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                                        30 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 8 servings