Apple Tart with Spiral Apples – Cozy & Dairy-Free Dessert

A Vegan Apple Tart is the perfect plant-based dessert that combines rustic charm with sophisticated flavor. Thinly sliced apples are arranged in delicate spirals or free-form layers atop a crisp, flaky crust and brushed with maple or apricot glaze for a glossy, bakery-style finish. With no butter, eggs, or dairy, this tart proves that elegance doesn’t require animal products.

It’s ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving tables, or any time you want a light, fruit-forward dessert with a crisp bite and warm cinnamon undertones. Whether served warm with dairy-free ice cream or enjoyed chilled with tea, this tart is a celebration of seasonal simplicity.

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Ingredients Overview: Vegan and Delicious

Apples

Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties that hold their shape when baked:

• Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp)

• Granny Smith (tart and firm)

• Pink Lady or Braeburn (floral, balanced flavor)

Peel or leave the skins on, depending on your texture and aesthetic preference.

Vegan Tart Crust

A crisp, buttery-style pastry without actual butter.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the crust.

• Vegan butter or coconut oil: Provides flakiness and richness.

• Ice-cold water: Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.

• Salt and sugar: Enhance the flavor.

Sweetener

• Maple syrup or organic cane sugar adds a touch of sweetness while keeping the tart refined-sugar-free if desired.

Spices

• Cinnamon is classic and pairs beautifully with apples.

• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for depth.

Glaze

• Apricot jam (thinned with water) or maple syrup is brushed on after baking for shine and flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make a Vegan Apple Tart

1. Prepare the Vegan Tart Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

Cut in:

• ½ cup cold vegan butter (cubed) or coconut oil (solid)

Mix until crumbly. Add:

• 3–5 tbsp ice water, one tablespoon at a time

Gently knead just until dough forms. Flatten into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Slice the Apples

• Peel (optional) and core 3–4 medium apples.

• Slice thinly (⅛ inch) for best layering and baking.

• Toss with:

  • 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Let sit for 10 minutes so they soften slightly.

3. Roll and Assemble

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 10–11 inch circle.

• Transfer to a tart pan with removable bottom or leave rustic-style on parchment for a galette.

• Arrange apples over the crust in overlapping circles or rows.

Optional: Fold edges inward (for a galette-style tart).

4. Bake

• Bake in preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until apples are tender and crust is golden.

• If edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

5. Glaze

• Warm 2 tbsp apricot jam or maple syrup with 1 tbsp water.

• Brush gently over the apples for shine and added sweetness.

Let cool before slicing to allow the juices to set.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success:

• Chill the dough well before rolling to avoid shrinkage.

• Slice apples thinly and evenly for a more tender and beautiful tart.

• Brush apples with glaze while still warm for best absorption and gloss.

Variations:

• Apple-Almond Tart: Add a layer of almond flour or frangipane underneath the apples (use a vegan almond paste).

• Apple-Pear Mix: Combine sliced pears with apples for a softer, floral flavor.

• Spiced Version: Add a dash of cardamom or clove to the apple mixture.

Ingredient Swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for a sturdy crust.

• Oil-Free: Try using applesauce instead of oil in the crust, though it will be more cake-like.

• Sugar-Free: Use just maple syrup or date paste to sweeten.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This tart is ideal for:

• Thanksgiving and holiday tables

• Plant-based dinner parties

• Brunches and afternoon teas

• Dessert with dairy-free ice cream or yogurt

Top it with:

• Coconut whipped cream

• Vegan vanilla bean ice cream

• A drizzle of cashew cream or vegan caramel

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This tart is:

• Naturally dairy-free and egg-free

• Lower in sugar than traditional pies

• Rich in fiber from apples and whole ingredients

• Customizable for gluten-free or low-sugar diets

To make it lighter:

• Use whole wheat pastry flour in the crust

• Reduce sweetener in the apples

• Serve with unsweetened plant-based yogurt or fruit compote

Each serving offers a balance of sweet, tart, and comforting warmth, perfect for fall and beyond.

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FAQ

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the tart dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for 1 month. Thaw before rolling.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead?

Absolutely—most store-bought puff pastry is accidentally vegan. Just check the ingredients and bake as directed.

3. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

You can brush the crust with a thin layer of melted vegan butter or almond flour before adding the apples. Preheating a baking sheet also helps.

4. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes. Many refrigerated or frozen pie crusts are vegan—just check for dairy or lard. Follow the same baking method.

5. Can I make this tart refined sugar-free?

Definitely! Use maple syrup or date syrup to sweeten the apple filling and glaze. Skip added sugar in the crust or use coconut sugar.

6. Can I use other fruits?

Yes! Try thinly sliced pears, plums, or peaches, depending on the season.

7. Can I serve this tart cold?

Yes. It’s delicious chilled and keeps its shape better. Let it cool completely and refrigerate up to 3 days.

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