French Apple Tart

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to my beloved French Apple Tart. This delightful dessert combines a buttery, flaky crust with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a treat that’s not just delicious but also beautifully rustic. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this tart brings joy to any occasion. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your home with the comforting aroma of baked apples and reminds you of simpler times spent with loved ones.

What makes this French Apple Tart even more special is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this charming tart, making it a go-to recipe all year round!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert that looks like it came from a French bakery.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of sweet apples and crispy crust. It’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance or even freeze the assembled tart for later enjoyment.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cinnamon and vanilla elevates the natural sweetness of the apples, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This French Apple Tart uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this lovely dessert!

For the Crust

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1½ sticks (12 tablespoons) very cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
• ¼ cup very cold water

For the Filling

• 1¾ lbs baking apples (3 large) (see note)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For Topping

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
• 1 tablespoon apricot jelly or jam (optional for glaze)

Variations

One of the best things about this French Apple Tart is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Mix in other fruits: Add sliced pears or berries for an extra fruity twist.
• Change up the spice: Try nutmeg or allspice alongside cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the apple filling for added crunch.
• Use different sweeteners: Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar or maple syrup for a deeper flavor.

How to Make French Apple Tart

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. In your food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Pulse briefly to mix. Next, add in the cold butter pieces. Process until it resembles small peas—about 5 seconds should do! Pour in that ice-cold water and pulse again until everything is moistened and crumbly. Once you’ve got your dough together, knead it gently on a floured surface until it forms a cohesive ball. Pat it into a disk shape and roll out into an 8 to 10-inch circle before chilling in the fridge.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Now let’s prepare those delicious apples! Start by peeling, coring, and slicing them into thin rounds—aim for about ⅛-inch thick slices. Place these beauties in a large bowl and sprinkle them with sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt. Toss everything together until each slice is coated evenly; this step infuses every bite with flavor!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Take your chilled dough from the fridge and roll it out on the parchment paper into a larger circle—around 14 inches wide and about ⅛ inch thick works well. Don’t stress if it’s not perfectly round; those rustic edges add charm! Place this rolled-out dough back onto your baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Sprinkle some flour over your pastry before arranging those beautiful apple slices on top in overlapping circles—leave about three inches around the edge bare. Fold those edges over in free-form pleats around the apples; remember it doesn’t need to be perfect! This casual look enhances its rustic feel.

Step 5: Brush & Chill

Using a pastry brush, give your pleated crust an even coat of beaten egg—it’ll help create that beautiful golden color when baked! Sprinkle turbinado sugar over both the crust and fruit for added sweetness crunch. Now chill your assembled tart in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pop that gorgeous tart into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until those apples are tender and your crust is golden brown. Don’t worry if some juices leak out—this adds character! Let it cool on a rack once baked so you can savor each bite without burning your tongue.

Step 7: Optional Glaze & Serve

While waiting for your tart to cool down completely, consider making an optional glaze by mixing apricot jam with water and heating until bubbly—this gives extra shine! Brush over those lovely apple slices just before serving. Use two spatulas to transfer your masterpiece onto a serving plate or cutting board. Slice up generous pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

And there you have it—a delightful French Apple Tart ready to impress family and friends alike!

Pro Tips for Making French Apple Tart

Making a perfect French Apple Tart can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll impress your family and friends!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, which hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. This ensures your tart has a great texture and flavor.

• Keep everything cold: Use very cold butter and water in the crust to achieve that desirable flaky texture. The colder your ingredients, the better the crust will rise during baking!

• Don’t worry about perfection: When arranging the apple slices, focus on a rustic look rather than precision. A free-form style adds to the homemade charm of the tart and makes it visually appealing.

• Chill before baking: Allowing the assembled tart to chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking helps maintain its shape and prevents shrinkage, giving you beautifully crisp edges.

• Use parchment paper wisely: Rolling out your dough directly on parchment paper not only makes transferring it easier but also saves you from unnecessary mess – it’s a win-win!

How to Serve French Apple Tart

Serving a French Apple Tart is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Here are some ideas to make your dessert look as good as it tastes!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add an elegant touch while enhancing the visual appeal of your tart.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few fresh mint leaves provides a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the cinnamon-spiced apples beautifully.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top gives an extra hint of spice that ties back to the flavors in the tart.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla non-dairy ice cream adds richness and balances out the tartness of the apples, making for a delightful pairing.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over slices of apple tart elevates each bite with sweetness and depth; perfect for those who love a little indulgence.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy whipped coconut cream serves as a great alternative to traditional whipped cream, offering a subtle coconut flavor that complements the apple nicely.
• Spiced chai tea: Serving slices with a warm cup of spiced chai tea creates a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for fall gatherings or winter evenings.

With these serving suggestions, your French Apple Tart will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Apple Tart is not only a delightful dessert but also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare the dough and even the assembled tart in advance, making it a stress-free treat for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tart to cool completely before storing.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the tart as instructed but do not brush with egg or sprinkle sugar on top.
• Freeze the assembled tart on the baking sheet until solid.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the frozen tart.
• Bake directly from frozen for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful French Apple Tart.

Can I use other types of apples for this French Apple Tart?

Absolutely! While it’s best to stick with baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, feel free to mix different varieties for added flavor. Just ensure they hold their shape when baked.

How can I make my French Apple Tart crust even flakier?

To achieve an extra flaky crust, make sure your butter is very cold, and don’t overwork the dough. Treat it gently and keep everything chilled until you’re ready to bake!

Can I prepare this French Apple Tart ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance, or you can freeze the assembled tart. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

This French Apple Tart is truly special—combining a buttery, flaky crust with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples creates an irresistible dessert that brings warmth to any gathering. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! It’s a labor of love that’s definitely worth every bite. Don’t hesitate to share your experience; I’d love to hear how it turns out!