When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and full of apple-cinnamon goodness, Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Tart) is the perfect bake. It’s thick, hearty, and packed with tender spiced apples inside a rich, buttery crust—then finished with a classic lattice top and a golden bake that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Unlike many thin apple pies, traditional Dutch appeltaart is tall and generously filled, making it ideal for holidays, afternoon coffee, or weekend baking. Serve it slightly warm with whipped cream (or vanilla ice cream) for the ultimate cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Makes 1 tart (9-inch / 23cm springform pan, about 10 slices)
For the Crust
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (only if needed)
For the Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (about 2.5–3 lb / 1.1–1.4kg), peeled, cored, sliced
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar (or granulated)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or flour)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (75g) raisins (optional)
- 1/3 cup (40g) chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
For the Top + Finish
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash)
- 1–2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Chill time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 60–70 minutes
- Cooling time: 45–60 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly.
Add egg and vanilla and mix until a dough forms. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon milk at a time.
Form into a ball, wrap, and chill for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
Stir in raisins and nuts if using. Set aside.
Step 3: Build the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Reserve about 1/3 of the dough for the lattice top. Press the remaining dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan (it should be fairly thick).
Step 4: Fill the Tart
Spoon the apple filling into the crust, pressing slightly so it fits. Appeltaart is meant to be tall and packed.
Step 5: Add the Lattice Top
Roll the reserved dough and cut into strips. Arrange strips in a lattice pattern over the apples.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with almonds if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 60–70 minutes, until golden brown and the apples are tender.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the tart cool 45–60 minutes before slicing—this helps it set and slice cleanly. Serve warm or room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with freshly whipped cream (very traditional).
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy with coffee, black tea, or chai.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 1/10 tart) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 52 grams |
| Sugars | 28 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 190 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Apples provide fiber and natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon adds warm flavor without extra sugar.
- Nuts (if used) add healthy fats and texture.
Tips for Perfect Appeltaart
- Use firm apples (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn) so the filling doesn’t turn mushy.
- Pack the apples tightly—this tart is meant to be tall and generous.
- Chill the dough before shaping for an easier, cleaner crust.
- Let it cool before slicing so the filling sets properly.
- If using raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up.
Variations to Try
- Spiced Version: Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the filling.
- No-Raisin Classic: Skip raisins for a simpler apple flavor.
- Streusel Top: Replace lattice with a crumb topping (butter + flour + sugar).
- Caramel Apple: Add a drizzle of caramel between layers of apples.
- Mini Appeltaart: Bake in muffin tins for individual tartlets.
This Appeltaart is a timeless Dutch dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and packed with apple-cinnamon flavor in every bite. With its buttery crust and tall, tender filling, it’s the kind of bake that feels special—yet simple enough to make anytime you want a warm homemade treat.
Whether you top it with whipped cream or ice cream, this recipe guarantees a delicious, bakery-style slice every time.
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