Easy Gluten-Free Apple Tart Roses & Almond Caramel
This Gluten-Free Apple Tart Recipe features a naturally sweetened oat and almond flour crust, thin apple slices formed into rose petals, and a quick almond butter caramel sauce. The crust is pressed into muffin cups with no rolling required, and the tarts bake to golden perfection in less than 20 minutes.
Traditional apple tarts can feel intimidating with all the rolling and chilling, but my Gluten-Free Apple Tart Recipe makes it easier while still giving you that “wow” factor. I love how this recipe simplifies everything, allowing you to create something truly beautiful with minimal effort. The crust, made from a blend of oat and almond flour, is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, giving it a delicious earthy flavor. There’s no need for rolling or chilling—just press the dough right into muffin cups, and you’re good to go.
What makes this recipe extra special is the presentation. Thinly sliced apples, either by hand or with a mandoline, are softened just enough to be rolled into delicate rose shapes. They’re nestled in a quick almond butter caramel sauce, which adds the perfect rich touch. A light brush of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon finishes these off, and they bake to golden perfection in under 20 minutes. These tarts are not just easy to make, but they also feel so elegant—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Tart Recipe
- Quick and Effortless: The crust is pressed into muffin cups with no rolling or chilling required.
- Beautiful Rose-Shaped Apples: Thinly sliced apples are rolled into delicate rose shapes for a stunning presentation.
- Naturally Sweetened: Made with maple syrup and coconut sugar for a wholesome sweetness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for entertaining, but simple enough for everyday treats.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting gluten-free apple tart recipe & almond caramel:
Apples: You can use any variety of apple you like. Red delicious apples will you give you the strongest red color on the edges of your rose petals.
Almond Flour: You can substitute almond flour with hazelnut flour or another nut flour of your choice.*
Oat Flour: Replace oat flour with rice flour, quinoa flour, or sorghum flour for a gluten-free option.*
Almond Butter: Cashew butter, peanut butter, or tahini can be used in place of almond butter.*.
Coconut Oil: Swap coconut oil with vegan butter or margarine for a different texture and flavor.*
Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to maple syrup.
Coconut Sugar: You can substitute with any granular sugar.*
Lemon Juice: Lime juice or apple cider vinegar can replace lemon juice.
Remember that substitutions may alter the taste, texture, and overall outcome of the recipe. It’s a good idea to experiment with small batches before making larger adjustments.
*I have not tested this substitution.
How to Make My Apple Cinnamon Tart Recipe
Step 1. Slice the apples
Remove the cores of your apples and then thinly slice them with a knife or my favorite mandoline slicer. Leaving on the skin will give a beautiful edge to your rose petals.
Drop the sliced apples in a bowl of water combined with lemon juice. Microwave the bowl of apples in 1-minute increments until the apples are soft and can be rolled without breaking. You can also boil a pot of water and drop in the apple slices for 1-2 minutes or until tender.
Drain the apples and spread on paper towels to remove additional moisture.
Step 2. Make the crust
Combine the oat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl or food processor. Mix until it starts to form a large ball. Check the moisture level by breaking off a small amount of dough. If you can roll it into a ball in your hands without it sticking too much, then it’s perfect. If it’s too wet, add more oat flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s less sticky.
Step 3. Make the almond caramel sauce
Combine the almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth.
Step 4. Fill the muffin pan
Lightly spray your muffin pan with non-stick. Scoop the dough with a spoon or medium-sized cookie scoop and drop it inside each muffin cup. Press the dough into the bottom of the cup and about 1/4″ up on all sides of the cup.
Drop a spoonful of almond caramel sauce into each muffin cup.
Step 5. Roll the roses
Spread out 8-10 apple slices starting from the left side. Layer them half-way over the previous apple slice. Place larger slices to the right because that will be the outside of the rose.
Begin rolling the slices from the left into a single rose. Gently push the bottom of the rolled rose into the caramel sauce in the muffin cup.
Pour several tablespoons of maple syrup into a small measuring cup and lightly brush it onto the tops of the roses using a pastry brush or small spoon.
Gently sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon on top of all the roses.
Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until the crust appears firm and lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing and serving.
As an optional garnish, you can press single mint leaves into the sides of the crust to enhance the flower affec
Homemade Apple Tart Recipe Notes
Apple Selection: Opt for apples with a mix of sweet and tart flavors, like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. Their skin adds a nice touch to the visual appeal of the roses. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a subtle zing to the apples.
Almond Butter Caramel: This almond butter caramel is a delightful, nutty alternative to traditional caramel. It’s a healthier option and pairs well with the apples.
Maple Syrup Glaze: Brushing the roses with maple syrup before baking adds a beautiful sheen and enhances their natural sweetness. The dusting of cinnamon adds warmth and aroma.
Optional Garnish: The mint leaves pressed into the sides of the crust not only add a pop of color but also enhance the presentation with a subtle touch of freshness.
Serving: These gluten-free apple tart roses are best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your gluten-free apple tart experience with these delightful serving suggestions that complement its flavors and create a memorable dessert presentation:
Whipped Cream: Serve slices of the apple tart with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. Choose traditional dairy whipped cream or opt for a dairy-free alternative.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm slices of apple tart creates a wonderful contrast of textures and temperatures.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the tart slices before serving. The sweetness and richness of caramel beautifully complement the tart’s apple filling.
Nut Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds, over the tart for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Dusting of Cinnamon: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top of the tart adds warmth and enhances the apple flavor.
Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with a handful of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a burst of color and freshness.
Citrus Zest: Grate a bit of lemon or orange zest over the tart slices to infuse a zesty and aromatic twist.
Yogurt or Whipped Topping: Serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dairy-free whipped topping for a tangy and creamy contrast.
Edible Flowers: For an elegant touch, adorn the plate with edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, to add visual appeal.
Warm Spiced Beverages: Pair the gluten-free apple tart with a warm cup of spiced tea, mulled cider, or hot cocoa for a cozy and satisfying dessert experience.
Cheese Accompaniment: Consider pairing the tart with a slice of mild cheese, such as cheddar or brie, to balance the sweetness of the apples.
Fresh Mint: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note.
Fruit Coulis: Create a berry or fruit coulis (thick sauce) to drizzle over the tart for an added burst of fruitiness.
Nondairy Yogurt: Serve with your favorite nondairy yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt, for a creamy and tangy element.
Nut Butters: Offer a dollop of almond butter, peanut butter, or another nut butter alongside the tart slices for a satisfying nutty flavor.
By combining these serving suggestions with your gluten-free apple tart, you’ll create a versatile and delightful dessert experience that caters to various tastes and preferences.
Do you love apple desserts? Check out more of my easy and nutritious apple dessert recipes:
Easy Gluten-Free Apple Tart Roses & Almond Caramel
Ingredients
Gluten-Free Crust:
- 1-1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Apple Roses:
- 5 apples (4 large or 5 small)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- dash cinnamon
Almond Butter Caramel:
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the cores of your apples and then thinly slice them with a knife or my favorite mandoline slicer. Leaving on the skin will give a beautiful edge to your rose petals.Drop the sliced apples in a bowl of water combined with lemon juice. Microwave the bowl of apples in 1-minute increments until the apples are soft and can be rolled without breaking. You can also boil a pot of water and drop in the apple slices for 1-2 minutes or until tender.Drain the apples and spread on paper towels to remove additional moisture.
- Combine the oat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl or food processor. Mix until it starts to form a large ball. Check the moisture level by breaking off a small amount of dough. If you can roll it into a ball in your hands without it sticking too much, then it's perfect. If it's too wet, add more oat flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it's less sticky.
- Combine the almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth.
- Lightly spray your muffin pan with non-stick. Scoop the dough with a spoon or medium-sized cookie scoop and drop it inside each muffin cup. Press the dough into the bottom of the cup and about 1/4" up on all sides of the cup.Drop a spoonful of almond caramel sauce into each muffin cup.
- Spread out 8-10 apple slices starting from the left side. Layer them half-way over the previous apple slice. Place larger slices to the right because that will be the outside of the rose.Begin rolling the slices from the left into a single rose. Gently push the bottom of the rolled rose into the caramel sauce in the muffin cup.
- Pour several tablespoons of maple syrup into a small measuring cup and lightly brush it onto the tops of the roses using a pastry brush or small spoon. Gently sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon on top of all the roses.Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until the crust appears firm and lightly browned.Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing and serving. As an optional garnish, you can press single mint leaves into the sides of the crust to enhance the flower affect.
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