Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175°C).

Step 2

Knead the dough. Add the flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water to a stand mixer or large mixing bowl. Knead on low, using the paddle attachment for 30-50 seconds or until it forms a dough. If the dough appears too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of water.

Step 3

Flatten the dough. Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a layer of parchment paper. Top with another layer of parchment paper and flatten the dough into a 10-inch round using a pastry roller.

Step 4

Press into a pie pan. Lightly grease an 8-inch pie pan with butter. Transfer the flattened dough to the pie pan and press it into it. Cut off the excess dough. Prick the bottom of the dough multiple times with a fork.

Step 5

Prepare the apples. Peel and core the apples. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick slices. Set aside.

Step 6

Spread the applesauce. Combine the applesauce with the tablespoon of sugar. Pour the sweetened applesauce into the pie crust and spread it into an even layer.

Step 7

Arrange the apples. Starting from the outside, layer the apple slices in a concentric circle over the apple sauce. Try to layer them tightly, as they will shrink a bit during baking.

Step 8

Top with sugar and butter. Generously sprinkle the apples with the granulated sugar. Add small butter cubes on top of the apples.

Step 9

Bake. Finally, bake the apple tart for 40-45 minutes in the bottom rack of your oven.

Step 10

Let it cool before enjoying it slightly warm, or chill it for a few hours in the refrigerator. This apple tart will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.