Description
This Irresistible French Apple Tart combines a crisp, buttery pastry crust with sweet, tender apple slices perfectly caramelized in the oven. Ideal for any occasion, this elegant dessert features a harmonious balance of flaky texture and fresh fruit flavor, delivering a timeless French classic that’s simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry Dough
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for dough)
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Apple Filling
- 4–5 fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Finishing
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Dough: Combine the all-purpose flour with cold, cubed butter and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Cut the butter into the flour using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice and Season the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples evenly to ensure uniform baking. Toss the slices with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon if using, and a splash of vanilla extract. This enhances the natural sweetness and aroma.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll your chilled dough into a thin circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing gently into the edges without stretching. Trim any excess dough along the rim.
- Arrange the Apples: Carefully layer the apple slices in concentric circles, overlapping slightly from the outer edge toward the center. This creates an eye-catching design and ensures perfect caramelization.
- Bake the Tart: Brush the exposed dough rim with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until the crust is flaky and apples are tender with a caramelized surface.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tart cool slightly before removing it from the pan to allow juices to set. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Keep butter and water cold for a flaky pastry crust.
- Choose tart, firm apples for best texture and balanced sweetness.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Chill the dough sufficiently to prevent shrinkage and aid rolling.
- Brush the crust with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Toss apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning if not baking immediately.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of tart)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: French apple tart, apple tart recipe, French dessert, flaky pastry, caramelized apples, homemade tart