A simple filling with thinly-sliced apples is made into a beautiful rose design inside a flaky and crumbly crust.Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Add the flour, sugar, and salt to a food processor. Process for a few seconds until combined.
1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Add in the butter cubes, and pulse until the mixture resembles crumbs.
½ cup unsalted butter
Add in the egg, and vanilla extract. Continue pulsing until the mixture forms larger wet crumbs.
1 large egg, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and form into a ball. Roll out the dough into an even layer.
Transfer the dough to a tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim the excess dough that spills over the top of the pan.
Freeze the crust for at least 30 minutes.
Place a piece of parchment paper or tin foil over the top of the crust, gently pressing it into the sides and middle of the crust. Fill with pie weights, dried beans, dried rice, sugar, or popcorn kernels.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Thinly slice the apples using a mandoline slicer. If making a rose design, be sure to reserve 3-4 paper thin apple slices to coil up in the middle of the tart.
4 large apples
Combine the apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Arrange the apples in an even layer over the dough. To make a rose design, begin by placing the apples in an upright position along the crust and staggering as you work around the circle. Continue until you reach the middle of the tart. Take the paper thin apple slices and gently coil them into a rose and place it in the middle of the tart.
Bake for 45-55 minutes.
Brush the apples with apricot preserves before serving.
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
Notes
Storage: Store apple tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.