Name: Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups almond flour; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 egg yolk; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 3 apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended), thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ⅓ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Golden, glossy, and gloriously gluten-free, this Caramel Apple Tart is the fall dessert your table needs. Imagine crisp apple slices fanned out in a beautiful swirl, nestled on a tender almond flour crust, and drizzled with a luscious homemade caramel sauce. It’s rustic enough for a cozy evening in, yet elegant enough to serve at your next gathering.

This tart captures the best of autumn flavors—tart apples, warm spices, and buttery caramel—all in one bite. The best part? It’s gluten-free, so everyone at the table can enjoy a slice (or two). Whether you’re avoiding gluten or just love a good apple dessert, this one checks all the boxes.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use for a Caramel Apple Tart?

The balance of sweet and tart is key. Granny Smith apples are classic for tarts because they hold their shape and bring a tart punch that pairs beautifully with caramel. However, mixing in a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add depth to the flavor. A mix of the two makes each bite bright and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart

Almond Flour – This forms the base of the gluten-free crust. It adds a mild nutty flavor and a tender texture.

Butter – Unsalted butter gives the crust richness and helps bind the flour together.

Maple Syrup – Used to sweeten the crust naturally without refined sugar.

Egg Yolk – Helps with structure and adds a golden hue to the crust.

Salt – Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.

Apples – Sliced thin for layering, they’re the star of the tart.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These spices bring warmth and complement the apples beautifully.

Lemon Juice – Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the filling.

Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling slightly.

Caramel Sauce – Drizzled over the tart before serving; you can use homemade or store-bought, but a salted version adds amazing contrast.

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional) – For a lovely crunch and nutty finish.

How To Make the Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Tart

Step 1: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, egg yolk, and a pinch of salt. Stir until a dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into a tart pan with a removable bottom. Prick the base with a fork and chill for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, place the crust in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Toss them gently with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a large bowl. This helps prevent browning and adds flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Arrange the apple slices in overlapping concentric circles over the cooled crust, starting from the outside and working inward. Continue layering until the crust is fully covered in a beautiful spiral.

Step 5: Bake the Tart

Bake the assembled tart at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes or until the apples are tender and edges of the crust are golden brown.

Step 6: Add the Caramel and Nuts

Once the tart has cooled slightly, drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Let the tart cool completely or refrigerate it briefly to set the caramel. Slice and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve and Store This Tart

This gluten-free caramel apple tart is best served slightly warm or at room temperature, allowing the caramel to stay silky and the apples to shine. It pairs beautifully with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

For storage, cover the tart loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving leftovers, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to restore that cozy, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the tart a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Wait to drizzle the caramel until just before serving for the best presentation.

Can I freeze this tart?

While it’s possible to freeze it, the texture of the apples may soften a bit once thawed. If freezing, wrap it tightly and consume within a month.

Is there a vegan version of this tart?

You can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg instead of egg yolk. Be sure your caramel sauce is dairy-free as well.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture and taste will differ. Almond flour provides a tender, buttery crust.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Absolutely! Just choose a high-quality one—salted caramel adds a delicious depth of flavor that complements the tart apples perfectly.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust is key. You can also brush a light layer of egg white over the crust before adding the apples to create a moisture barrier.

Want More Tart & Apple Dessert Ideas?

If you enjoyed this gluten-free caramel apple tart, here are a few more recipes you’ll want to try next:

Amish Applesauce Cake for cozy spice and soft texture.
Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie when you’re craving something silky and nostalgic.
Winter Brittle if you want a crisp, sweet treat with nutty goodness.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for handheld caramel joy.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies to round out your dessert tray with melt-in-your-mouth softness.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you mix apple varieties? Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—we’re all in this baking adventure together.

👉 For more cozy seasonal desserts and gluten-free treats, check out my Pinterest: Life with Jam