🍎 Lager Crust Apple Tart: Flaky, Buttery, and Infused with Beer from the Bottom Up

ByKarl S

This Lager Crust Apple Tart is an elevated twist on a classic — featuring a flaky, golden crust made with crisp lager, and thinly sliced apples layered with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of butter.

It’s rustic but elegant, simple enough for everyday baking, and refined enough for holiday tables.

The lager in the crust brings subtle malt, extra tenderness, and a flavor edge that sets this tart apart.

Ingredients

For the Lager Pie Crust:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup cold lager (pilsner, helles, or cream ale — nothing hoppy)

For the Apple Filling:

  • 3–4 apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix), thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch (if apples are juicy)

For the Glaze:

  • 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey
  • 1 tbsp lager or water (to thin)

Beer Tip: Use a crisp, clean lager like a Vienna lager, pilsner, or Kölsch. You want light malt and no bitterness in your crust.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Lager Pie Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your hands until pea-sized crumbs form.
  3. Pour in cold lager and mix just until dough comes together.
  4. Divide into 2 disks (you’ll only need one for a tart — freeze the other!), wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch if using. Let sit while you roll out the crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out chilled dough to a 12-inch round and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or tart pan.
  3. Arrange apples in overlapping rows or concentric circles, leaving a 1-inch border.
  4. Fold crust edges up and over apples (galette-style). Brush apples with melted butter.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender and caramelized.

Step 5: Glaze

While tart is still warm, brush apples with warmed apricot jam or honey mixed with a splash of lager or water for shine.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve Warm or Room Temp With:
    • Whipped cream or crème fraîche
    • Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
    • A drizzle of beer caramel or stout chocolate sauce
  • Sprinkle With:
    • Powdered sugar
    • Toasted nuts
    • Flaky sea salt for contrast

Beer Pairing

  • In the crust:
    • Pilsner or Kölsch (crisp and clean)
    • Vienna lager or cream ale (mellow and malty)
  • In the glass:
    • The same lager used in the dough
    • Cider for a fall twist
    • Belgian golden ale or saison for subtle spice

Final Thoughts

Lager Crust Apple Tart is flaky, elegant, and full of layered flavor — a bake that brings the cozy, the crisp, and a splash of craft beer creativity to your table.

It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or anything in between — especially when you want something classic but just different enough to impress.

Cheers to apples, butter, and beer in your crust! 🍺🍎🥧

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