Caramel Apple Brown Butter Crostata

This recipe is one dessert that is always on rotation, using whatever fruit is in season.  The crostata crust and brown butter filling is what makes this recipe so delicious and rich.  We use almond flour to make it not only flavorful, but also gluten free. 

SHOPPING LIST:

For the Crostata crust:

1-1/2 cups flour (all purpose or ground almond or hazelnut flour for Gluten Free)
1/2 cup sugar
pinch of kosher salt 
10 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes

To Make the Filling:

5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 whole eggs
1/4 cup sugar + 1 Tablespoon 
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1/4 cup Bella Cucina Dolci di latte Caramel sauce
2 apples, thinly sliced

PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 375 degrees 

To Make the Crostata crust:

In a food processor, mix the flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and process just until dough comes together.  Remove the mixture from the food processor and turn out onto a floured surface and press together into a ball.Let rest for a few minutes to allow the dough to relax, or wrap in plastic and refrigerate or freeze or until ready to use.

Press the dough into a 9 inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom, trimming the sides of the pan with a sharp knife.  Freeze for 10 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes. Par-bake the tart shell on a parchment lined pan for 8-10 minutes, until puffed and lightly browned. Remove from the oven.

To Make the Filling: 

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat. Remove from the heat and brush 1 9-inch removable bottom tart pan with a bit of the melted butter. Put the butter back on the heat and continue melting just until you see brown specks appear, it will start to foam, then it turns very quickly. Remove from heat to cool.

In a food processor, add the eggs, sugar, vanilla, caramel sauce and cooled butter. Process for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and foamy. Add the almond flour and baking powder and process just until blended. 

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the sliced apples, then sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of sugar. Place pan on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown and the center comes clean, about 30-25 minutes. 

Dust with confectioners sugar and serve with additional Caramel sauce drizzled on top.