Thousand Layer Apple Tart with Alfajor Cookie

Step 1

Preheat oven to 300°F.

Step 2

Add butter, flour, corn starch, powdered sugar and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment mix the flours and butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

Step 3

Press and knead the dough by hand until a smooth dough forms. The mixture should come together when pressed together. If the dough seems dry or crumbly, wet your hands with warm water and continue kneading.

Step 4

Once you’ve achieved a smooth dough, wrap in plastic and place in the fridge to chill, at least 30 mins.

Step 5

Once chilled, roll the dough out between 1/4 inch. Cut out a 6in diameter cookie base and bake for 8-10 mins or until the cookie base has slightly puffed and dry. Allow to cool completely before assembly.

Step 6

While the Alfajore bakes, prepare the 1000 Layer Apple.

Step 7

Add 3/4 of a cup of granulated sugar to an 8 inch nonstick skillet and cook undisturbed until the sugar begins to bubble around the edges. Once bubbling continuously, stir until all the sugar has dissolved and is amber in color. Remove from heat and pour into a 6 inch cake pan.

Step 8

Using oven mitts carefully rotate the pan to go with the edges with melted sugar. Set aside and allow to cool.

Step 9

In a small bowl combine cinnamon and remaining granulated sugar and set aside.

Step 10

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the apples to 1/8 of an inch or as thin as you possibly can. Arrange them at the base of the prepared cake pan. Once the first layer has been arranged, gently pack the rest of the apple slices, making sure to sprinkle in the cinnamon sugar mixture in between every couple of layers. Allow the apples to macerate for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Step 11

Bake at 250F for 1 hour.

Step 12

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before assembling and inverting.

Step 13

To assemble, spread dulce de leche on one side of the alfajor cookie base, generously sprinkle with flakey salt and place on the prepared apples. To unmold, place a large plate over the top of the cake pan and invert. Gentle lift the cake pan and serve warm.

Step 14

Consider serving this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.