Classic Delicious French Apple Tart Recipe

This classic French apple tart is a refined dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of apples with a buttery pastry crust. Perfect for special occasions, it combines simplicity with elegance.

The recipe involves making a flaky tart crust, layering thinly sliced apples, and finishing with a light glaze. It's a delightful way to impress your guests with a sophisticated yet approachable dessert.

Creating the Perfect Tart Crust

To achieve a delightful apple tart, the foundation lies in a well-made pastry crust. Start by combining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. This blend forms the base of your tart.

Next, incorporate chilled, cubed butter into the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for a flaky crust.

Once the dry ingredients and butter are combined, add an egg yolk and a few tablespoons of cold water. Mix until a dough forms, then shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps maintain its structure during baking.

Preparing the Apples

The star of this dessert is undoubtedly the apples. Choose a mix of your favorites, ensuring they are peeled, cored, and thinly sliced for even cooking.

In a bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture enhances the natural sweetness of the apples while adding a warm, comforting flavor.

Once coated, the apples are ready to be arranged on the tart crust, creating a visually appealing pattern that will impress anyone at your table.

Assembling the Tart

After rolling out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan, press it gently into the pan and trim any excess. This step ensures a perfect fit and a clean edge.

Begin layering the apple slices in a circular pattern, starting from the outer edge and working your way inward. This method not only looks stunning but also ensures that each slice is cooked evenly.

To enhance the flavor, brush melted butter over the arranged apples before baking. This step adds richness and helps the apples caramelize beautifully.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the tart inside. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is a lovely golden brown.

Keep an eye on the tart as it bakes, as oven temperatures can vary. The aroma of baking apples will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Finishing Touches with Glaze

Once the tart is out of the oven, it’s time for the finishing touch: the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat apricot jam with a splash of water until melted.

Brush this warm glaze over the tart while it’s still warm. The glaze not only adds a beautiful shine but also a hint of sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing it into wedges. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.

For an extra indulgence, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This combination elevates the tart, making it a memorable treat.

Whether for a special gathering or a cozy family dinner, this apple tart is sure to be a hit, showcasing the beauty and flavor of fresh apples in a delightful pastry. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Elegant Apple Tart Recipe

This apple tart features a crisp pastry base filled with beautifully arranged apple slices, baked until tender, and glazed for a shiny finish. The preparation takes about 1 hour and serves 8 people.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup apricot jam for glazing
• 1 tablespoon water for glazing

Instructions

1. Make the Tart Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apples: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess.
4. Arrange the Apples: Layer the apple slices in a circular pattern over the tart crust, starting from the outer edge and working inward. Brush the melted butter over the apples.
5. Bake the Tart: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
6. Glaze the Tart: In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water until melted. Brush the glaze over the warm tart for a shiny finish.
7. Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 35g