Apple Marzipan Tart

There are some things in the world I just can't live without; my morning cup of coffee, my best friend/boyfriend, my wonderful family and friends, long hikes through the woods, and marzipan. I have previously expressed my love of marzipan before in this blog when I made Cherry Marzipan Cupcakes some time ago but I think it needs to be reemphasized for just a minute. I. LOVE. MARZIPAN. This ingredient, which is popular in Europe, is made with a mixture of finely ground almonds, sugar, and sometimes egg and is typically paired with fruity desserts. I personally find that it gives a light and refreshing flavor to cakes, breads, and in this case, tarts!

This tart looks super impressive and fancy but trust me, it's not difficult to make. I always use this crust recipe because it's very easy to roll out and it never breaks or crumbles. Come fall time, this dessert would also be delicious with sliced pears instead of apples!

Apple Marzipan Tart

For the crust...
1 1/2 cups AP flour
1/2 Cup Salted Butter (1 stick or 8 tablespoons)
1/4 cup sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 or 2 TBS cold water

Method:

1.Set oven to 350 degrees F. Beat the butter and sugar together with a mixer until creamy. Add vanilla and mix.
2.Add in the egg, flour, and salt and beat together until a dough forms. While mixing on low speed slowly add the cold water until the dough comes together.
3.Turn the dough unto a floured surface and roll into a 12 inch circle.
4.Carefully press into a buttered tart pan and either poke small holes in the bottom of the tart with a fork, or line the crust bottom with parchment paper and fill with uncooked beans (this just keeps the crust from forming air bubbles when you bake it). Bake the crust for about 5 min.

For the filling...

1/2 cup marzipan I used THIS brand
2 eggs

Method:

1.Mix together until combined. Pour into pre-baked pie crust.

For the topping...

about 4 or 5 apples, peeled and sliced thin.
1 TBS melted butter
1 TBS sugar
1 TBS cinnamon

Method:

1.Place the apples in a circular pattern around the tart pan. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together, carefully brush a thin layer of butter over the apples, then sprinkle the cinnasugar mix and bake for 35-40 min.