Do Share Recipe

I recently tried making a Vegan Apple Tart Recipe, and I have to say, it was a game-changer for me! I love how simple yet elegant this dessert feels. The buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.

I had so much fun arranging the apple slices in a beautiful pattern—it really makes this tart feel special. Let me take you step by step through making this delicious vegan apple tart at home. If you enjoy exploring unique twists on baked dishes, you might also enjoy the Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos Recipe for a savory option.

Ingredients

Making this tart is surprisingly simple, and you only need a handful of pantry staples to get started. Here’s what I used:

Shortcrust Pastry

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour – makes the crust tender and flaky.
¼ cup (50g) sugar – adds subtle sweetness to balance the apples.
½ cup (115g) vegan block butter – I recommend cold butter for a flakier texture.
2–3 tbsp cold water – just enough to bring the dough together without making it sticky.

Filling

4–5 medium apples (Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala, or Golden Delicious) – thinly sliced; a mix of sweet and tart adds depth.
2 tbsp sugar – to sprinkle over apples for caramelization.
1 tsp ground cinnamon – gives warmth and enhances apple flavor.
2 tbsp light-colored jam (apricot or apple) – for glazing and a beautiful shine.

Note: This recipe makes about 10 servings.

Variations

If you want to tweak this tart, here are some ideas I love experimenting with:

Swap the sugar for coconut sugar or a granulated sugar substitute for a lower-glycemic version.
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
Try adding a layer of almond cream or cashew cream under the apples for extra richness.
Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. For a fun dinner idea, you can pair this tart with recipes like Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos Recipe for a full meal.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Tart pan – to shape the crust and hold the filling.
Mixing bowl – for preparing the pastry by hand.
Food processor (optional) – speeds up making the pastry.
Rolling pin – for rolling out the dough evenly.
Parchment paper & pie weights – for blind-baking the crust.
Pastry brush – for glazing the baked apples.

How to Make Vegan Apple Tart

Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry

I started by rubbing the cold vegan butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture looked like fine breadcrumbs. Then, I added cold water little by little until the dough just came together. Avoid overmixing—it keeps the crust tender.

Parbaking the Crust

Next, I rolled out the dough on a floured surface and transferred it to my tart pan. I blind-baked it for 15 minutes using parchment paper and pie weights to prevent puffing. This ensures the crust stays crisp once the juicy apples are added.

Arranging the Apples

While the crust baked, I peeled and thinly sliced my apples. I arranged them tightly in concentric circles on the par-baked crust. The apples shrink slightly when baked, so packing them closely gives a full, professional look.

Adding Cinnamon Sugar and Glaze

I sprinkled a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the apples, then brushed them lightly with melted vegan butter. After baking, I warmed apricot jam and gently brushed it over the tart for a shiny, glossy finish.

Baking the Tart

The tart went into a preheated oven until the apples were tender and the crust golden brown, about 45–50 minutes. If the crust edges browned too fast, I covered them with a foil pie shield.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these little tweaks make a big difference:

I always chill my dough if it feels too soft—it rolls out much easier.
Using a mix of sweet and tart apples adds a more interesting flavor profile.
Glazing with jam while the tart is warm helps the shine stick better.
For a rustic look, pressing the dough directly into the tart pan works beautifully without rolling.
Blind-baking is key; skipping it can make the crust soggy from apple juices.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Tart

This tart is perfect as a centerpiece dessert. I like serving it with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. For presentation, lightly dusting powdered sugar on top or adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds makes it extra special. Slice it with a sharp knife to maintain the neat apple arrangement.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick idea of what you get in each serving:

Calories: ~250 kcal – a satisfying yet light dessert.
Protein: 2g – from the flour and butter substitute.
Carbohydrates: 40g – mostly from the apples and crust.
Fat: 10g – from the vegan butter, making it rich but not heavy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

I store the tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It keeps well, and the flavors meld beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked tart for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes. This refreshes the crust and warms the apples without drying them out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan apple tart has so many perks:

Easy to Make: Only six main ingredients are needed, and the steps are simple.
Versatile: Works with different apple varieties and optional nuts or cream layers.
Diet-Friendly: Entirely plant-based and adaptable for gluten-free or sugar-free diets.
Beautiful Presentation: Arranged apples create a stunning, bakery-style dessert.
Delicious Flavor: Sweet, tart, and buttery flavors come together perfectly in every bite.

This vegan apple tart is a dessert I keep coming back to. It’s simple, comforting, and versatile, making it perfect for any season or occasion. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll want to bake it again and again!

Ben Carraoli