Sweet Cinnamon Apple Tart

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2.In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3.Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

4.Add 1/4 cup applesauce and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir gently until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together when pressed.

5.Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6.While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon flour, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside.

7.On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick.

8.Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, gently pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

9.Arrange the spiced apple slices evenly over the pastry crust, overlapping slightly for an attractive presentation.

10.Dot the filling with small pieces of the 1 tablespoon butter to add richness during baking.

11.Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.

12.Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

13.Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.