Cheese and apple tart

Cheese and apple tart - a delicacy with an autumn flavor and an irresistible texture

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn’t remember the moments when the aroma of baked apples filled the house, bringing with it a warm and welcoming atmosphere? This cheese and apple tart recipe is not just a dessert, but also a story about comfort, tradition, and the joy of spending time in the kitchen. The tart combines the flavor of caramelized apples with a creamy cheese filling and a crispy crust, perfect for finishing a meal or enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients for the cheese and apple tart:

*For the crust:*
- 200 g flour
- 100 g cold butter
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons cold water
- 1 pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 vanilla extract
- 70 g white sugar
- 4 apples (preferably sweet-sour varieties)
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 40 g brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 20 g nuts (optional)

Preparing the crust:

1. Start by cutting the cold butter into small cubes. This is an essential step, as cold butter helps achieve a crispy texture for the crust. Use a sharp knife to avoid melting the butter.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly.

3. Add the cubed butter to the flour and, using your fingers, gently knead until you achieve a sandy texture. This technique is known as “buttercream,” essential for obtaining a flaky crust.

4. Add the powdered sugar and the beaten egg mixed with water. Stir everything until you get a homogeneous mixture. If the dough is too dry, add another tablespoon of cold water.

5. Once the dough is formed, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step not only cools the dough but also allows it to rest, making the tart much flakier.

Preparing the filling:

1. Meanwhile, peel the apples and slice them thinly. Choose sweet-sour apples to add a pleasant contrast to the sweet cheese filling.

2. Place the apple slices in a bowl and drizzle with lemon juice. The lemon not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the apples from oxidizing and changing color. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing well to coat the apples evenly.

Assembling the tart:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a 24 cm diameter cake pan lined with parchment paper.

2. Sprinkle the work surface with flour and, using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until you get a thin sheet. Place the dough sheet in the pan, creating borders about 4 cm high to prevent the filling from spilling out.

3. Cover the dough with parchment paper and place beans or special baking weights on top. This trick will prevent the dough from rising unevenly during baking. Bake the dough in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes slightly firm but not fully baked.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with the egg, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend the mixture well until it becomes creamy.

5. Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the cheese filling over it, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Arrange the apple slices on top of the filling, beautifully arranged in a circle. You can also add chopped nuts for extra texture.

6. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the apples are tender. The aroma that will spread in the kitchen will surely make you hungry!

Serving:

Allow the tart to cool before slicing. You can serve it plain or with a spoonful of sour cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavor even more. It’s perfect for a family meal, but also to impress guests at a party.

Helpful tips:

- If you want a healthier version, you can use cottage cheese instead of mascarpone. Also, natural sweeteners can be used to reduce sugar intake.
- The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavor will intensify as it cools.
- Experiment with different types of apples or even pears for a unique version of the recipe.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can replace mascarpone with cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I prevent the apples from oxidizing?
Drizzling with lemon juice is the best method. If you want to be even more sure, you can soak them in lemon water for a few minutes.

3. Can the tart be frozen?
It is recommended to freeze it before baking. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but the baking time will need to be adjusted.

I encourage you to try this cheese and apple tart recipe, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to every moment spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: for the dough: 200 g flour 100 g butter 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 egg 6 tablespoons cold water 1 pinch of salt for the filling: 250 g mascarpone 1 egg vanilla essence 70 g white sugar 4 apples 1 lemon 40 g brown sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 20 g walnuts

 Tags:  cheese and apple tart cake cheese apples sweet tarts pie dough