Marlbourough Apple Tart
A Marlborough apple tart is a classic New England dessert featuring a buttery pastry crust filled with a custardy apple filling made from tart apples, eggs, cream, and a hint of lemon zest. Traditionally spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this elegant tart balances the sweetness of baked apples with the richness of custard, offering a deliciously nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 4-5 tbsp ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 2 medium granny smith apples peeled and grated
- 1 medium honey crisp apples peeled and grated
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Add the cubed ½ cup unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup unsalted butter
- Slowly add the 4-5 tbsp ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough comes together. Shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.4-5 tbsp ice-cold water
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface and line a 9-inch pie dish with the crust. Trim any excess, crimp the edges, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated 2 medium granny smith apples1 medium honey crisp apples with 1 tsp lemon juiceSet aside.2 medium granny smith apples, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 medium honey crisp apples
- In another bowl, whisk together the ½ cup sugar, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 large eggs, melted 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon until smooth.½ cup sugar, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Stir in the grated apples, mixing until evenly combined.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the tart for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center should be firm but slightly wobbly when gently shaken.
- Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing.