Description
An apple tart with soft-pretzel crust is a creative, innovative dessert that takes the best of both worlds: the comforting sweetness of a traditional apple tart and the unique salty-sweet flavor of a soft pretzel. It features a chewy pretzel crust instead of the usual buttery tart crust, and the apples are spiced to perfection to complement the dough’s flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soft-Pretzel Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 6 cups water (for boiling)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
For the Apple Filling:
- 6–7 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or mix)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Pretzel Crust:
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn onto floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Prepare for boiling: Bring 6 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Shape: Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a greased 10-inch tart pan, pressing up the sides.
- Boil the crust: Carefully lower the entire tart pan into the boiling water for 30 seconds (this gives the pretzel flavor and texture).
- Prepare for baking: Remove, drain, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Prep apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Let macerate: Allow mixture to sit for 15 minutes to draw out juices.
Assembly and Baking:
- Preheat oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill tart: Arrange apple mixture in the pretzel crust in overlapping circles. Dot with butter cubes.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Cool: Let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled tart.
Notes
This apple tart combines the sweet warmth of spiced apples with the salty, chewy goodness of a soft pretzel crust—perfect for those who love a sweet-and-salty twist. Serve warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Apple Tart with Soft-Pretzel Crust