Swedish Caramel Apple Tartlets with Tosca Topping

Swedish Caramel Apple Tartlets with Tosca Topping Recipe

Ingredients

For the Tartlets:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium-sized tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• A pinch of salt

For the Tosca Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tartlet Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and rub the mixture with your fingers or use a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and mix gently. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and knead the dough until it just comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
3. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and remove the skillet from the heat. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the butter. Stir until melted and combined.
3. Slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.
4. Set the caramel sauce aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Tartlets

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Using a round cutter, cut circles to fit into a muffin tin or tartlet pan. Gently press the dough into the tin, trimming any excess.
4. Divide the caramelized apple filling evenly among the tartlet shells. Drizzle a small amount of the caramel sauce over the apples.

Step 5: Make the Tosca Topping

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar, flour, and milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and comes together.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the sliced almonds.

Step 6: Top and Bake the Tartlets

1. Spoon the Tosca topping over the apple-filled tartlets, spreading it evenly to cover the apples.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tartlet crust is golden brown and the Tosca topping is bubbly and caramelized.
3. Remove from the oven and let the tartlets cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve

1. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the tartlets before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
2. Serve the Swedish Caramel Apple Tartlets warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips and Variations

• Apple Choice: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor. However, if you prefer a sweeter tartlet, opt for apples like Honeycrisp or Gala.
• Make-Ahead: The tartlet dough and caramel sauce can be made a day in advance. Store the dough in the refrigerator and the caramel sauce in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Nuts: For a nut-free option, omit the sliced almonds in the Tosca topping and replace them with rolled oats for a crunchy texture.
• Flavor Twist: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling for a warm, comforting flavor.

Enjoy these Swedish Caramel Apple Tartlets with Tosca Topping as a delightful treat for special occasions or as a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.